Software localization is more than just about translating words. Adapting software to cater for different languages, cultures, and technical specifications requires in-depth knowledge of the local market. The process considers the interface, content, and graphic elements to make it feel ‘local’ to users worldwide. To make it successful, it requires a team of professionals working on it.
Are you looking for software localization from English to other languages? We can help, as our team has experience working in over 100 languages pairs. Your product is always in good hands.
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WHAT IS SOFTWARE LOCALIZATION?
Software localization is a process of adapting a software application to meet the language, cultural and technical requirements of a specific target market. It involves modifying the user interface and content, with the goal of making it suitable for use in different regions and countries.
The software localization process includes translating the text into different languages, converting units of measurement, and adapting the date/time formats. The end-user should have native-like experience with the product, regardless of their location or level of English proficiency.
This process involves more than linguistic changes, as it requires in-depth knowledge of the target markets and technical expertise. That is why it is done by entire teams of specialists in different areas.
WHY IS SOFTWARE LOCALIZATION IMPORTANT?
The answer is simple. It is required when you need to reach a larger global audience and expand your market share. By localising your software, you make it accessible and appealing to users from various countries, as not everybody feels confident with a single-language product. The localization process leads to increased sales, better customer satisfaction, and improved brand reputation.
It helps you break down the language barriers, enabling effective communication with users in their native tongue. With a version of the program in their native language, you offer them a much better user experience. As a result, your product has many more chances of achieving engagement. In addition, software localization shows a level of respect and understanding for the different cultures in the world. It is a great method to improve brand perception and customer loyalty.
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With the ongoing globalization process, software localization has become essential in helping businesses stay competitive. Localized software allows companies to expand into new markets, becoming a first choice for a wider audience.
In today’s world, software localization is not just an option, but a necessity for any business looking to succeed on a global scale. We can help you to achieve it.
THE SOFTWARE LOCALIZATION PROCESS
The software localization process is an essential step in globalizing software products. It is a complex task that needs to be done correctly to achieve international success.
- First, we conduct research related to the target market. This includes understanding the local culture, language, and any technical requirements. It lays the foundation for the entire process of adapting the software.
- Then we identify all the resource files that require translation, including user interface texts, help files, error messages, and other system-specific text strings. The items are extracted, prepared in the right format, and then sent to professional translators and proofreaders who specialize in the target language.
- Meanwhile, together with the client, we create a glossary with all the relevant terms.
- Once the translation is complete, we then integrate it into the software. This involves replacing the original text with the translated software strings. It is important to ensure that they all fit within the allocated spaces and still retain their functionality.
- Now it is time for testing. First, we check that all the translated elements display correctly, then it is time to gather user feedback and make any necessary adjustments.
- After successful testing, the final step is to release the localised software product. This involves creating language-specific versions with all the translated elements included, along with any marketing materials.
CHALLENGES OF SOFTWARE LOCALIZATION
There are several major challenges in software localization that companies face when trying to bring their products to new markets.
One of the main obstacles is the linguistic aspect. Accurately translating technical terminology and the user interface can be difficult as sometimes there are no direct equivalents in the target language. This requires skilled translators, proficient in both languages and having a profound understanding of the software’s technical aspects. Moreover, they need to be aware of all the commonly used IT vocabulary.
Often the source language and the target language use different writing systems, and sometimes the content is even written in different directions, such as from right to left. During the localization process, it is important to ensure that all translated text strings fit the required fields.
Another challenge is cultural adaptation. Different countries have their own sets of customs, traditions, and preferences that need to be considered. Certain colours, symbols, or images may have different meanings and connotations. A lack of knowledge in this field may result in offending the users, but thorough research can help avoid any misinterpretations.
Technical challenges also play a big role in software localization. Different countries may have varying requirements and standards for computer products, such as date and time formats, currency symbols or character encoding. To ensure that the product functions correctly, it is necessary to take them all into account.
LOCALIZATION OF MOBILE APPS
It is important to consider mobile app localization, as today many people prefer to access software on portable devices. Without proper localization, users in different regions may find it difficult to navigate the app’s content, resulting in a negative user experience.
The texts created by machine translation often sound unnatural, and may even repel native language users. This is especially relevant in apps that support multiple languages, so you need to be careful in offering this option if you are unable to ensure high enough quality content. It might be more harmful to your company than beneficial.
WHY DO YOU NEED A TRANSLATION AGENCY IN THE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS?
A professional translation agency provides expert linguistic and cultural support. We have the necessary expertise to accurately translate technical terms and jargon. The software translation process always involves native speakers, where we prepare the entire localization strategy and coordinate our team members, all to keep misunderstandings at bay. Our knowledge helps us to tailor localization services for specific countries or even regions.
Involving a translation agency in the software development process saves time and resources. Avoid trying to handle your translations in-house, as it is a time-consuming process that may not yield the best results. Your software developers can focus on core tasks, while leaving the translation process to the experts.
A translation agency assists with quality assurance by conducting thorough reviews and localization testing. We identify any potential language or cultural barriers, and then address them before the final product is released.
We use an advanced software localization tool to streamline the translation process, while our CAT editors help to maintain vocabulary consistency across the software. This eliminates the risk of errors or discrepancies, while the use of translation management systems helps us to prepare everything on time.
WHAT LANGUAGES DO WE LOCALIZE SOFTWARE INTO?
In our commitment to enhance software accessibility, we offer localization services in 100 language pairs, in European and Asian languages. We ensure that your software responds to the needs of the users from various linguistic backgrounds. Whether you want to localise from English to Mandarin or German to Japanese, we are ready to take you through the task.
If you are planning to make your software truly international, then thanks to our diverse team we can help you through various languages at the same time. Call us to check the details.
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