Dos and Don’ts of Software Localization

 When adapting for a universal audience, translation and localization are often believed to be one and the same, rather than complementary strategies. But while there's some overlap between the two, the software translation process is much more convoluted—and understanding its complexities can help set you up for success as you develop new business markets.

What are professional translation services?

Software localization is the process of adapting software to the cultural, linguistic, and legal conditions of a specific language. This statement means not only localizing text-based elements, but also nipping layouts, formatting, graphics, and more—not to mention satisfying local permitted requirements, data compliance, device selections, and technology trends. With all the subtle aspects to consider, it's easy to overlook segments that seem trivial but play an important role in providing a flawless product or service to the largest possible audience. Thus, from where do we need to begin?

The following are software localization or translation best practices and snags to be mindful of:

 1. Do practice localization as a major strategy for business growth

First things first, it is important to be transparent and clear about how software localization will support your desired goals. One should set up software localization as a strategy, not a difficult task, at every step of the whole procedure. Getting Initiated: Preparation & Planning, Discovery—Requirements & Goals, Digital Content Audit, Transfer & Analysis, Project Kick-off, The Proposal, Localization & Translation, Quality Control & Review, Go-Live & Follow-Up, and File Delivery.

 2. Don't neglect to develop with localization in mind

The localization-friendly method is one that helps to cut planned delays and expense overruns. This feature has structure and source code that help to stop: Replication of source bugs in targeted files, common software localization errors, and avoidable translation errors, including functional, abbreviation, display, and over- or under-localization

 3. Do develop a library of global objects

The globalization that enables localization for building a library of globalized objects will limit your rework as you determine how to translate software into numerous languages. These facts include: sort and search functionality, multi-byte character support (for Asian languages), bi-directional or right-to-left support (Arabic and Hebrew languages), user interface design elements, and number, address, currency formats, and date.

 4. Don't make reference text very long

All languages have several sentence framings, different rules for pluralization, and use different values of words to convey an idea. Undervalue translation issues with clear and bristly source content: Keep sentences concise and short, utilize standard English word demand, whenever possible, break up noun lines (many consecutive nouns), avoid using synonyms; use a single term to determine a single idea, leave humor out of your digital content, clarify times, dates, and measurements, include relative pronouns like "which" and "that,", stay in the active voice, and replace phrasal verbs with a single-word replacement.

5. Do consult with a localization services provider who is an expert in the work

Deliver as much detail as possible to your software localization services partner before you begin your task to ensure a successful working relationship.

Ø  Do you have ideal plans for global growth in the near future?

Ø  Who are your major consumers?

Ø  What is the number of languages needed for your assignment?

Ø  Do you have an in-house localization or translation team? How will they interface with your project?

Ø  What are you looking for in a localization services provider? It could be quality, price, speed, or access to experts?

 

The above-mentioned dos and don'ts are based on some research, and if you do your localization by using it as a reference, it can help your business grow! There are many other options for software localization. You can hire a professional translation agency for your software localization!