Expanding your software to a global audience? You’re probably facing the challenge of making it user-friendly for people across different languages, cultures, and regions. That’s where software localization comes into play. It’s not just about translating words, it’s about creating an experience that resonates with users, no matter where they are in the world.
So, how is software localization done, and what are best practices?
Let’s get into it!
What is software localization?
Software localization is the process of fitting your software into various languages, areas, and cultures. This is more than basic translation. Localization involves changing such things as date formats, currency signs, UI layouts, and even images or icons to fit the target culture.
For example, localization for a Japanese audience would not only involve translating the interface into Japanese but also adjusting things like text direction, cultural preferences, and even legal compliance.
Now, if you’re wondering how localization differs from internationalization, here’s a quick breakdown.
The difference between localization and internationalization
Internationalization (i18n) involves making your software adaptable to many languages and locales. It entails making your software’s code portable enough to adapt to localizations in the future. Localization (l10n) is the process of actually adapting the software for local areas once internationalization has been done.
For example, if your application was developed with internationalization as an aspect, it will become easier to localize it for Chinese or French-speaking users. Internationalization is developing the framework, and localization is filling it in.
Why software localization is crucial for global success
Let’s face it—English isn’t enough anymore. Success around the world comes down to addressing users in their own languages. Based on research, 76% of buyers prefer to purchase products with product information in their native language, and 40% will simply not buy at all if a product’s content is not available in their native language.
Localization provides your software with that competitive advantage to succeed in global markets, which enables you to overcome language boundaries and deliver an uninterrupted experience across the globe. Airbnb and Netflix are some prime examples of what successful localization can do for global business expansion.
Software localization services: why you need them
Localization is no trivial feat, and that’s why many companies use software localization services to undertake this complicated process. These services make sure that each aspect of your software is compatible with local customs, laws, and language nuances.
For instance, Linguidoor provides end-to-end localization services, ranging from translation to legalization and testing. Their services assist companies in minimizing localization mistakes and maintaining consistency across several languages.
Advantages of hiring professional localization services:
- Cultural Precision: The cultural differences of the target markets are known to the localization specialists, avoiding confusion or offense.
- Technical Knowledge: Specialists are aware of intricate file types such as JSON, XML, or PO files, so they can make the code and content function appropriately together.
- Time and Cost Savings: Services employ software such as translation memory, which allows you to reuse already translated sentences, saving you money and time in the long run.
Understanding localization management software
Manual management of a large-scale localization project is daunting. That is where localization management software comes in. Such software simplifies the localization process by facilitating efficient collaboration among teams and better management of content.
Key features of localization management software:
- Translation Memory: Saves translated content for future reuse in projects.
- Automated Workflows: Automates mundane tasks such as file management or content updates, minimizing the potential for errors.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Enables groups to collaborate, regardless of their location, so translators, developers, and reviewers are always in sync.
Software such as Smartling and POEditor are favorite tools for localization management, providing cloud-based services that simplify the management of localization projects.
Selecting the proper localization software
When choosing localization software, it’s important to choose a solution that suits your business requirements. Various software solutions have different features, so you will need to look at your project size, budget, and target languages.
Important features to search for in localization software:
- Multilingual Support: Make sure the software can support all the languages you intend to localize.
- File Type Compatibility: Ensure it supports standard file formats such as XML, JSON, and YAML.
- Integration Capabilities: Your localization tool must integrate well with your development and design tools, such as GitHub or Figma.
Popular localization software solutions:
- POEditor: Famous for supporting various file formats and real-time collaboration.
- Lokalise: Emphasizes automation, allowing teams to work more easily on multilingual projects.
- Phrase: Offers a powerful API that integrates well into different development workflows.
Software internationalization: getting ready for global markets
Software internationalization is the foundation of localization. By getting your software ready to support various languages and cultural formats in the first place, you save yourself from expensive rework down the line.
Internationalization key principles:
- Text Externalization: Keep all user-visible text in external files so that it is simple to translate.
- Unicode Support: Make your software capable of displaying characters from every language, including non-Latin scripts.
- Flexible Layouts: Design your user interface (UI) so that it can fit different lengths of text used in different languages.
By applying these principles during development, you ensure future localization becomes much easier and less expensive.
Internationalization testing in software testing
Once you have internationalized your software, the second step is testing your software for multi-language support. This process is referred to as internationalization testing. Testing helps ensure your software functions correctly in various languages, formats, and locales.
Common issues in internationalization testing:
- Text Expansion: Certain languages, such as German, take up more space in text, possibly breaking your UI.
- Date/Time Formats: Various regions have different date formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY), and testing makes sure they are displayed correctly.
- Encoding Errors: Non-Latin scripts, such as Arabic or Chinese, must be displayed correctly, which can lead to problems if encoding is not dealt with correctly.
Best practices for successful software localization
To make your software localization project successful, follow these best practices:
- Develop a Software Localization Strategy: Identify your target markets and make provision for culture differences right at the beginning.
- Manage Costs: Employ tools such as translation memory to eliminate repetitive translations, and invest in good management tools to stay on course.
- Ensure Consistency Across Languages: Leverage glossaries and style guides to ensure brand voice and terminology consistency in all languages.
Following these practices will help you save time and money in the localization process while preventing costly mistakes.
Future trends in software localization & internationalization
The localization industry evolves every day, with new trends such as AI and automation changing the way we do things. Below are some trends to keep an eye on:
- AI Translation: AI and machine learning will further enhance, and localization will become quicker and more precise.
- Continuous Localization: Integrating localization into agile development cycles, so companies can release localized software earlier.
- Emerging Markets: With the increasing tide of globalization, companies will have to localize for emerging markets and new languages, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
Software localization is critical for any business that wants to be successful worldwide. With the proper tools, best practices, and professional localization services, you can be confident that your software provides an excellent experience in any market.
FAQs
Why is xx unique compared to other localization service providers?
xx provides complete, culturally appropriate, and technically correct localization services that provide quality and consistency.
How long does it take to localize software with Linguidoor?
The process is time-dependent on the project complexity, but Linguidoor simplifies the process with state-of-the-art tools and experienced teams.
What sectors profit the most from software localization?
Software, healthcare, education, and e-commerce sectors profit significantly from localization as they target international markets.
What does software localization cost?
The costs depend on the scope of the project, services needed, and languages, but tools such as translation memory reduce the cost.
How do I guarantee software localization quality?
By using the skills of human translators, AI, and extensive testing, you can guarantee that your localized software is of top-notch quality.
By concentrating on localization and internationalization, you’re positioning your software for international success, and ensuring users worldwide have an exceptional experience with your product.
Related Articles:
– 10 Insider Tips (the Do’s and the Don’ts) for Effective Software Localization
– The 7 biggest challenges of software localization (and how to solve them)