|
Localization is the process of translating and adapting a product into a different language for a specific country or region. Linguistic differences include pronunciation, spelling conventions and grammatical patterns. Most importantly, language suffers not only a translation itself but also a transition of cultural absorption.
Website localization is the process of modifying an existing website to make it accessible, usable, and culturally suitable to a new target audience.
It is a multi-layered process needing both programming expertise and linguistic/cultural knowledge. If either is missing, the chances are that a localization project will encounter problems.
A translator must not only be familiar with the regional variants of a target language, but should also know the target culture.
Website translation is not as easy as it seems. Not all words, phrases, or idioms can be translated directly to the target language. Moreover, the cultures are different, which is why the translator should know the culture of the target language to provide the best website translation possible.
Translators must also be aware of all the regional variants of the target language. For example, if you want to target to all Italian speakers, your site should use High Italian instead of one of the many local dialects.
Website localization or website translation is one of the most cost effective methods of rapidly expanding your business. Many companies use website translation or website localization services to improve their profits. Website translation or website localization service is essential for your website.
Software localization is the process of modifying products or services to accommodate for differences in distinct markets.
Software localization is thus much more than translating user interfaces from one language to another. It is about adapting all cultural content and technical issues to a specific audience in a given location.
Software localization is a similar process that requires customizing your product for consumers in a target market. It is an effective way to overcome cultural and linguistic barriers. This process is labor-intensive and often requires a significant amount of time from the development teams.
A software product that has been localized properly has the look and feel of a product originally written and designed for the target market.
Here are just a number of points that have to be considered, as well as the language, in order to effectively localize a software product or website:
- measuring units,
- number formats,
- address formats,
- time and date formats (long and short),
- paper sizes,
- fonts,
- default font selection,
- case differences,
- character sets,
- sorting,
- word separation and hyphenation,
- local regulations,
- copyright issues,
- data protection,
- payment methods,
- currency conversion,
- taxes.
The standard localization process includes the following basic steps:
- Analysis of the material received and evaluation of the tools and resources required for localization
- Cultural, technical and linguistic assessment
- Creation and maintenance of terminology glossaries
- Translation to the target language
- Adaptation of the user interface, including resizing of forms and dialogs, as required
- Localization of graphics, scripts or other media containing visible text, symbols, etc.
- Compilation and build of the localized files for testing
- Linguistic and functional quality assurance
- Project delivery
« Go Back
|
