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This document describes the localization process, as well as all the technologies, problems and methodological issues involved with localization. It should be used as a reference guide to the various processes, functions and areas of localization for anyone seeking to expand their knowledge over the subject. It is more of a factual document than that of opinion, and should be used as a study on the topic of localization.
As far as most of the IT industry is concerned, the term “localization” means translation plus “some other things”. In fact, translation is no more than one part of the entire localization jigsaw puzzle, sometimes not even the most important one. So what is localization? Though the definition varies somewhat throughout the industry, we believe that the following explanation describes localization fairly well. We will try to explain it in further detail later on in the document however, the “simplest” definition of localization is: the full adaptation of content for a local market during the translation process. Localization requires the understanding not only of specific local markets, but the understanding of actual content surrounding a given industry and/or culture. Localization and translation are codependent and because of that, they require much focus and strategy.
As such, this document also attempts to familiarize the reader with issues related to the strategy of executing localization projects within IT companies. Furthermore, this text aims to answer the question that many people in IT frequently ask themselves: What resources and technologies do we need to carry out localization projects?
If a producer wishes to sell a product in a given market, he has to provide relevant product information in the language spoken in that country, regardless of whether his product is a complex ERP system worth $100,000 or a hair shampoo priced at PLN 3. Obviously, if a region specific translation is not available, all such products or items will loose consumer interest and encounter market entrance barriers.
This can occur because anyone remotely interested in a purchase, would be immediately discouraged from buying the product if he were unable to read the instructions manual or even figure out what the item is. The best that the producer could hope for in such cases would be that the product marketed in English to an Eastern-European region, would find some English speaking residents of the region or English speaking tourists tempted to purchase it.
Although it is true that some items could sell even without English manuals or English labels, it is hardly likely that revenues would exceed costs incurred in most cases where the product did not have a localized marketing campaign. Unfortunately decisions as to whether or not to localize a given product tend to be based on the estimated cost of such ventures and the benefits (increased revenues/sales) they would generate, instead of on the assumption that localized products will find a larger target audience.
As stated previously, when one localizes a product/service, he adapts it to the requirements and standards applicable in another country. However, in order to understand the term “localization” fully, we first need to understand all of the parts of the localization process.
Localization process: Translation of all terms, abbreviations, symbols and units (in short, all language specific components) into the language of a given country (for example, when dealing with software, we translate the user interface, online help, messages that may be displayed, and all documentation).
What should the professional localization process be like to ensure the success of localization projects? The following features make up the localization process:
A native speaker of the target language should check each translation. Following the translation and proofreading, the translated text must be re-read in hard copy to identify errors that are hard to detect without looking at the translation as a whole. It is important to realize that even the best translators and proofreaders can make mistakes.
If tools and technologies adequate to the specific project or subcontract are used, and used by people familiar with them, then everyone involved will sleep easier and be sure that it will be wrapped up on time. Some of the tools that facilitate the automation of some parts of the work relate to:
What matters in localization is the execution procedure. The right approach to the project is bound to result in the development of a successful product. On the other hand, any attempt to execute the project without careful preparation is likely to have a negative impact on costs, deadlines or product quality, and in a worst-case scenario on all of them. So, strategize, and strategize smart!
Below is a procedure for executing a localization project. Different emphasis should be placed on different stages for different kinds of localization projects. Depending on the specific nature of the projects, some stages will be more complex while other may be less complicated.
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