Types of Software Translations: Localisation vs. Internationalisation

Many businesses encounter a range of issues when it comes to adapting their software for international markets. We will address three common pain points faced by those in need of software translations and explore the key solutions. Whether you’re looking to expand your software’s global reach or simply enhance its user experience for local audiences, this article is for you. 

Software translations are a critical component of making your product accessible to a wider audience. Our focus in this article is to shed light on the two main approaches: localisation and internationalisation. Let’s dive in to understand the differences and benefits of each. If you’re ready to overcome the challenges associated with software translations, keep reading! 

Software Translations: Quick Overview 

Software translations is the process of adapting a software application to a specific language or cultural context. This essential step enables users to interact with the software seamlessly, ensuring that the user interface, content, and functionalities align with their preferences. 

The benefits of software translations are far-reaching. By making your software accessible in multiple languages, you can tap into new markets, increase user engagement, and ultimately boost revenue. The process may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a highly rewarding investment in your product’s success. 

Software Localisation 

Software localisation takes the concept of software translation a step further. It involves adapting not only the language but also the content, design, and functionality of the software to align with the cultural and regional preferences of a specific audience. 

The key components of software localisation include: 

Language 

Translating the user interface and content into the target language, ensuring it reads naturally and culturally relevant. 

Regional Preferences 

Adapting date formats, currencies, and units of measurement to suit the local conventions. 

User Interface Design 

Modifying graphics, layout, and colors to resonate with the target culture. 

Legal and Regulatory Compliance 

Ensuring the software complies with local laws and regulations, such as data privacy requirements. 

Content Relevance 

Customising content, including images, videos, and text, to resonate with the target audience’s values and interests. 

Software localisation not only makes your product more accessible but also enhances user satisfaction and trust. Users are more likely to engage with software that feels tailored to their needs, and this can lead to increased adoption and loyalty. 

Software Internationalisation 

While software localisation focuses on making your software ideal for a particular region, software internationalisation (often abbreviated as i18n) is a broader approach that prepares your software for a global audience from the start. 

Key elements of software internationalisation include: 

Multilingual Support 

Designing the software architecture to accommodate multiple languages and character sets. 

Cultural Neutrality 

Creating a user interface that is culturally neutral and does not assume any specific cultural context. 

Code Optimisation 

Ensuring that the codebase is structured in a way that allows for easy integration of new languages and regions. 

Separation of Content 

Separating content from code to make it easier to adapt to different languages and regions. 

Scalability 

Making sure that the software can expand to accommodate new regions without extensive reprogramming. 

Software internationalisation is like building a strong foundation for your software that enables it to adapt easily to different markets. It minimises the need for extensive rework and helps save time and resources as you expand into new regions. 

Software Localisation Process

Software localisation is the process of adapting a software application to a specific language, culture, and region to make it more accessible and user-friendly for a global audience. Here is an overview of the software localisation process:

Project Initiation

• Determine the target market or audience for the localised software.
• Define the scope of the localsation project, including the languages and regions to be supported.
• Set a budget and timeline for the project.

Internationalisation (i18n)

• Prepare the software for localisation by making it capable of handling different languages and cultures.
• This involves using encoding standards that support multiple languages and ensuring that the software can handle text expansion and different date/time formats.

Resource Extraction

• Extract all the text, images, and other resources that need to be localised from the source code of the software.

Text Translation

• Translate all text strings and content from the source language to the target languages.
• Ensure the translated text is contextually accurate and culturally appropriate.

Localisation of Visual Elements

• Modify images, icons, and other visual elements to suit the target audience’s culture, preferences, and reading direction (e.g., right-to-left for Arabic or Hebrew).

Cultural Adaptation

• Adjust elements like date formats, currency symbols, and numerical representations to align with the target culture.
• Modify the user interface to accommodate cultural differences and preferences.

Quality Assurance (QA)

• Perform linguistic and functional testing to identify and rectify any issues that may have arisen during the localisation process.
• Test the software on the target platforms and devices to ensure it works correctly.

Documentation Localisation

• Translate and localise user manuals, help files, and any documentation associated with the software.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure that the localised software complies with local laws and regulations, especially in highly regulated industries like healthcare and finance.

User Testing

• Conduct usability testing with users from the target audience to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.

Bug Fixes and Revisions

• Address any issues identified during the testing and user feedback phases.

Packaging and Distribution

• Package the localised software for distribution in the target markets.
• Ensure that it is easily downloadable or available through local distribution channels.

Post-Launch Support

• Continue to provide support, updates, and bug fixes for the localised software as needed.

• Create marketing materials and strategies tailored to the target audience.

Continuous Improvement

• Gather feedback from users in the localized regions to further enhance the software.

The software localisation process can be complex and time-consuming, but it’s essential for reaching a global audience and ensuring that users from different cultural backgrounds can effectively use your software. Collaboration with professional translators and localisation experts is often crucial to the success of the project.

Localisation and Internationalisation 

In conclusion, software translations are crucial for reaching a global audience or providing a localised experience to your users. When deciding between localisation and internationalisation, consider your specific goals and the nature of your software. 

If you’re looking to break into new markets with a tailored approach, software localisation is the way to go. It’s all about adapting your software to suit the unique needs and preferences of a specific region. 

On the other hand, if you anticipate global expansion and want to save time and resources in the long run, software internationalisation is the best path. It sets the stage for efficient adaptation to various languages and regions, making your software a global success from the beginning. 

No matter which approaches you choose in translation services industry, addressing the challenges of software translations is essential for growth and success in today’s interconnected world. Take the step that aligns best with your goals, and your software will become more accessible and appealing to a diverse, global audience.