Glossary Terms
What is localization?
Localization is the process of adapting software, websites, or other digital products to meet the linguistic, cultural, and technical requirements of specific target markets. It goes beyond simple text translation, involving adjustments to UI elements, date/time formats, number formats, and even functionality to ensure the product feels native to users in different regions.
Implementing localization requires creating flexible, internationalized code that can easily accommodate different languages and cultural conventions. This includes using string externalization, supporting various character encodings, and designing layouts that can handle text expansion or contraction.
The localization process involves addressing various technical challenges, from handling right-to-left languages to properly sorting localized strings. It often requires working with translation management systems (TMS) and implementing locale-specific logic throughout the application.
Understanding the difference between translation and localization
Translation and localization are distinct processes in adapting content for global audiences.
Translation converts text between languages, focusing on linguistic accuracy. It involves handling character sets, encodings, and language-specific grammar rules.
Localization goes beyond translation:
- It adapts content to be culturally appropriate.
- It considers local customs and preferences.
- It adjusts imagery, symbols, and formatting.
Technical aspects of localization include:
- Modifying UI for variable text lengths and writing systems
- Implementing RTL layout support
- Adapting date, time, and number formatting
- Creating locale-aware sorting and filtering algorithms
Translation ensures linguistic accuracy, while localization requires architectural changes to support comprehensive multi-locale functionality.
Why localization matters for global business
Localization is essential for global companies to stay competitive in the market and communicate effectively with customers.
It helps businesses avoid potential cultural faux pas through bad translations or inappropriate images that could damage their brand.
Localization facilitates market entry, provides a competitive edge, improves customer satisfaction, fosters brand loyalty, and boosts revenue.
Types of localization
- Software localization: adapting software to meet a target market's language and cultural requirements.
- Website localization: adapting a website to meet a target market's language and cultural requirements.
- Video game localization: adapting video games to meet a target market's language and cultural requirements.
- Product localization: customizing a product or service to meet the specific needs of a particular market.
- Marketing localization: adapting marketing materials to meet a target market's language and cultural requirements.
Creating a localization strategy
- Define the target market and target audience.
- Determine the primary language and any additional languages required.
- Develop a plan for adapting content to the local culture, including imagery, symbols, and formatting.
- Establish a budget and timeline for the localization process.
Executing a localization strategy
Assign roles and responsibilities to team members and stakeholders.
Develop a workflow for the localization process, including content submission, translation, review, and delivery.
Utilize a TMS to manage and track the localization process.
Ensure local leadership and local actors are involved in the localization process.
Overcoming common localization challenges
Managing different languages and character sets, including right-to-left languages.
Adapting content to local culture and nuances.
Ensuring consistency across localized content.
Managing humanitarian assistance and local actors in crisis situations.
Measuring the effectiveness of a localization strategy
Track website traffic and engagement metrics.
Monitor customer satisfaction and feedback.
Measure revenue and return on investment (ROI).
Conduct regular reviews and updates of the localization strategy.
How Builder.io uses localization
Builder.io offers localization features to help businesses deliver personalized content to different regions. Here's how it works:
- Adding Locales: Users can add locales in the Settings section under Targeting. This allows content to be tailored for specific languages or regions.
- Localization Methods: Builder.io provides three ways to localize content:
- Locale Grouping: For Enterprise customers, Builder.io offers locale grouping. This feature allows users to:
- Localization Process:
- Benefits of Builder.io's Localization:
By leveraging these features, businesses can efficiently manage multilingual content, save time, and ensure a consistent user experience across different locales.
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