Modern software development methodologies have made the localization of software applications much easier. This is because GUI strings, alert messages, and menu texts are all organized into external resource files such as RESX, XML, and TXT, etc. These files are highly portable and easy to process making them ideal for language translation. To localize a software application, the translation vendor first translates the strings into the corresponding languages. However, since these strings live in isolation of the actual interface or context, the localized software must be linguistically validated to ensure the highest quality. Other factors affecting localization quality include the expansion or contraction of foreign language texts compared to English or the source language, as well as different number, date and currency formats. Word orders also vary for different languages and this is why software developers should always try to avoid using concatenated constructs to form sentences dynamically. Full service software localization also includes tasks for dialog boxes, as well as localization testing for cosmetic, and functional performance.
Stepes has one of the translation industry’s largest technology infrastructures so we can help our clients efficiently complete software localization. We also provide on-site linguistic support at our clients’ office to ensure the most optimal performance.
Localization Q&A
What is Localization?
Localization is the process of preparing your products such as software applications, websites, or manufactured goods in various languages so they look, feel, and function exactly like products made locally and in-country. Localization consists of translating and adopting the contents such as software GUI strings, online help, web pages, and user documents so they resonate with local audiences both linguistically and culturally. Additionally, it involves testing, bug fixing, and publishing the localized applications and content so they are error free and fully functional. Modern localization requires sophisticated tools and optimized processes in order to achieve the best results which is a reason that most companies hire a 3rdparty localizer, or LSP (Localization Service Provider) to help them localize into other languages.
What is Localization Testing?
When it comes to localizing software applications or websites, language translation alone is not enough. Once the translated texts are put back into the application, they can generate a variety of issues such as truncations due to translated text expansions (German and Dutch words contain more characters than English, and Chinese, Korean, and Japanese occupy less space horizontally and more vertically), missing translations, broken links, or encoding errors. This is why the localized application must be thoroughly checked running on different platform or browsers to fix all linguistic, cosmetic, compatibility, and functional issues. Localization testing is an important and integral step for professional localization services that’s often overlooked, causing poorly localized software to be released prematurely or delaying product launches.
What is L10N?
L10N is a popular abbreviation for “localization”. It takes the first and last letter of the word localization and then uses the number 10 to represent the 10 characters in between. L10N can be used interchangeably with localization.
A Guide to Better Localization
Are you looking for localization best practices that help drive project efficiency while reducing translation costs and improving quality? Then this compact, step-by-step guide is a must read. We have compiled a list of tried-and-true tips and methodology improvements obtained through our many years of helping global companies localize in European and Asian languages for the best results. You can also contact Stepes to arrange for on online training session so your software team can learn how to internationalize your products for the best results the localization industry has to offer.