Localization

LOCALIZATION, INTERNATIONALIZATION, AND GLOBALIZATION

Localization is more than simply translating a document or website into another language, although the two processes are intertwined. Together with internationalization, localization forms the globalization process used to move products and services into foreign markets. These processes are often abbreviated L10N, G11N, and I18N.

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G11N

Ideally, the decision to take a product or service global should be made early enough so that, for example, product design complies with laws in all potential markets. Globalization is a strategy that effects the entire business.

I18N

Internationalization takes cultural references and content specific to location outside of the product itself. Computer help files and user interfaces are designed to accommodate multiple languages. For example, fields on the screen of a hand-held device may be rearranged so that longer text strings can be entered and awkward concatenations avoided.

L10N

Localization helps the translation fit well into the culture in which it will be used. Indeed, a properly localized document or website should sound as if it were created in the area for which it was translated. Currencies, phone numbers, date and address formats, holidays, cultural references, gender roles, colors and illustrations must be considered. Of course, idioms are handled as part of the translation process.

A Tembua® localization is micro-marketing at its best. Thus, a Spanish document can be edited to specifically speak to audiences in Mexico, Spain, or Cuba.