In the digital era, software localization has become crucial for ensuring a seamless user experience across regions and cultures. With AI, the web, mobile apps, and decentralized applications (DApps) becoming indispensable to daily life, companies like Airbnb, Uber, Google, and Apple exemplify the importance of localization. They allow users worldwide to access services in their native language and provide a culturally relevant user journey. But what is software localization, and how can it be done effectively?
Distinction Between Software Localization and Translation
Translation is a core component of localization, involving the transfer of words between languages by professional linguists, preferably native speakers of the target language. However, localization goes beyond mere translation. It involves adapting images, colors, date and time formats, UI elements, and more to make a software product appear and feel as native as possible in the target market. Localization ensures that the original content resonates with local users and considers cultural nuances, customs, or references that may be unfamiliar to people outside of a particular region.
Core Elements of Software Localization
Software Localization Strategy
Localization should be approached strategically rather than as a one-time task. An effective software localization strategy should include:
- Creating a Style Guide: Define the tone, terminology, and style for each target market.
- Building a Library of Global-Ready Objects: Include date and number formats, addresses, currency formats, multi-byte character support (especially for Asian languages), right-to-left alignment (for Arabic and Hebrew), search experience, user interface, and RTL vs. LTR languages.
- Providing Space for Text Expansion: Ensure there is enough space for translated text, which may be longer than the original.
- Using Unicode UTF-8: Accommodate special characters and language scripts effortlessly.
- Translating and Localizing Content: Translate and adapt software content for the target market.
- Revising, Testing, and Troubleshooting: Conduct quality assurance to ensure all elements are linguistically and culturally appropriate for the target market.
- Releasing the Localized Product: Launch the product in the new market.
UI/UX Design
UI design is central to software localization. A localization-ready design prevents the replication of source file bugs in the target language. Best practices include:
- Pseudo-localization: A core part of the QA/revision process, pseudo-localization helps identify and eliminate localization bugs by replacing the source language text with an altered version.
- Holistic Design Approach: Use design templates and testing to eliminate localization errors, whether they are graphic mislocalizations or functionality, display, or abbreviation errors.
- Examples: Consider text length variations, language direction, typography, symbols, icons, and colors.
Creating Translation-Friendly Content
To ensure successful localization, create translation-friendly content by avoiding jargon and colloquialisms. Key practices include:
- Clear and Concise Language: Different languages have varying grammar structures and word counts.
- Standard Language Word Order and Relative Pronouns: This helps clarify the context and avoid confusion.
- Avoid Excessive Synonymy: Prevents mistranslation and confusion.
- Cultural and Linguistic Differences: Consider the unique aspects of each language.
Text Expansion and Space Allocation
When localizing software, allocate enough space for text expansion. For example:
- Text Length Variations: English to German text may increase in length by 35%, while Asian languages may decrease in text length.
- UI Attractiveness: Ensure proper alignment and readability by allowing 30-35% text expansion.
Icons and Symbols
Icons and symbols are crucial in localization. To ensure cultural appropriateness:
- Research and avoid assumptions: Not all symbols are universal. Some might have negative connotations in certain cultures.
- Style Guide Inclusion: Add a section with preferred icons and symbols.
Using Unicode
Unicode character encoding (UTF-8) facilitates smooth translation into all languages, irrespective of script or use of special characters. This is especially beneficial for Asian CJKV languages (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese).
Avoiding Hardcoded Text Strings
Never hardcode text or punctuation in your source code. Use separate files for titles, product names, error messages, etc. to avoid re-engineering work and ensure accurate localization.
Internationalization Process
Getting software ready for global expansion requires addressing several key factors:
- Translatable UI Elements: Move all translatable content into separate resource files.
- Text Length: Consider differences in length between various languages.
- Numbers and Currency Symbols: Handle different formatting variations accurately.
- Date and Time Formats: Accommodate diverse conventions.
- Character Encoding: Handle various scripts, including non-Latin ones.
- Language Direction: Design for both left-to-right and right-to-left languages.
Supported programming languages and frameworks include JavaScript, React, Angular, Python, Java, PHP, iOS, and Android.
Adapting User Experience for International Users
Making a software product usable, enjoyable, and accessible for international users goes beyond translation. Key considerations for UX localization include:
- Word Length Variations: Some languages expand or shrink text length.
- Language Direction: Reorganize the layout for right-to-left languages.
- Typography: Choose fonts that cover supported languages.
- Symbols, Icons, and Colors: Consider cultural differences.
- Usability: Adapt navigation structures and UX elements to meet cultural expectations.
Software Localization Testing
Localization testing involves several steps to ensure cultural and legal compliance and quality assurance:
- Cultural Sensitivity Audit: Identify and eliminate potential cultural taboos.
- Legal Checks: Ensure compliance with local privacy laws, disclaimers, tax information, and censorship rules.
- Quality Assurance (QA): Test UI, UX, and functionality for accuracy and effectiveness.
Benefits of Software Localization
Software localization provides several key benefits:
- Larger User Base: Attract and convert more users by including non-English speaking markets.
- Faster Time to Market: Agile and continuous localization enables simultaneous multi-market releases.
- Stronger Brand Awareness: Build brand recognition and symbolic capital in new markets.
- Enhanced Customer Loyalty: Culturally relevant software fosters trust and long-term relationships.
- Increased Revenue: A larger user base and improved user experience lead to higher sales.
Conclusion
Software localization is crucial for expanding into global markets and delivering an excellent user experience. By following best practices and using localization tools, companies can strengthen their brand, attract more users, and increase revenue. Adopt software localization to remain competitive in today’s interconnected world.
EC Innovations has more than two decades of experience in providing software localization services. Our internationalization, software translation, localization testing and app store optimization solutions will help you adapt your software product for overseas markets. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive software localization services.
