What
is localization? How it is done?
The
concept of localization, which means to make local, means
organization of the websites or different projects to appeal to other
languages as well. In a broader definition; during the software
development process; the adaptation of the contents like books,
films, web pages, products, processes and especially computer
software to the local, linguistic and cultural properties that apply
in the market or geographical region peculiar to a certain geography
or ethnic community is called localization.
While
interpretation is the procedure of translating from the source
language into the target language, localization can be defined as the
procedure of translating a language based on the region where it is
spoken. Interpretation and localization are different concepts, and
English is known to be the language that is localized the most in the
world. English being a commonly used and more preferred language in
many places around the world plays a significant role in that.
Localization
Can Be Applied in Many Different Areas
Today,
many people or companies that want people from different countries to
know about their sectors and activities can go for the performance of
localization procedures on their own websites or their
software/applications. In this case, all of the contents on their
websites or in their applications are customized for the languages to
be appealed to. Aside from the contents, the graphics, icons, symbols
and colors are also updated, taking the habits of use and cultural
structures of the countries into consideration. The adaptation of the
contents based on regional location is preferred mainly in websites,
software or in the interface field.
While
interpreting from one language to another, the accuracy of grammar
rules alone do not prove the competence of that translation. A
translation of quality can be discussed when the translation is
performed also to fit the rules of that region, the structure and the
norms of society. Therefore, localization is one of the most
important points with translation.
The
marketing sector is one of the top sectors where localization, which
is used in many areas, is preferred and needed. If a sale is to be
made in any region and if the best message wants to be given to the
end user by means of the product or service which will be sold being
told in another language, then a meticulous localization work needs
to be performed at this point. Because the correct perception of the
product or the service in the region where the marketing will be
performed is considered to have a direct impact on the product’s
sale.
Similarly,
although translation is necessary for people in a country where a
different language is spoken to watch foreign TV shows, movies and
videos as well, it may not be enough. The fact that the TV show,
movie or video in question has been translated and localized with the
use of the words in the social nuances in a region is also known as
the biggest reason that helps the pleasure of the viewers to increase
when they are watched in that region.
Also,
the process of localization requires a significant amount of
expertise as it is not just an interpretation. The difference in
understanding between the countries can be eliminated thanks to
localization, and it is ensured that a global product is perceived
from a local point of view.
What
To Watch Out For When Localizing?
Localization
definitely needs to be applied for the subtitles which allow the
dialogues in foreign movies and TV shows to be kept up with.
Translation of the proverbs, idioms or other important expressions
that have been used and would not be understood in the country where
they are watched in line with the culture of the country where the
target language is spoken is among the issues to watch out for.
Mobile
applications which are used on smartphones and which make our lives
much easier usually have multiple language options. However,
application of localization while preparing the language options is
considered to be an important issue. Paying attention to the length
and meanings of the word can be effective in the success of
application localization.
The
software that is used in many fields does not make it among the
preferences of the experts in the targeted countries if they are not
localized. Because the rate of use of applications that cannot be
understood is pretty low. At this point, taking into consideration
the occupational effects in the field of use as well as the cultural
ones influences the success of localization.
The
localization activities to be performed in video games have a crucial
role in the success to be achieved in the country where the game is
to be sold. The more successful the localization, the more the
possibility that the users in that country like the game. It is known
that the success of the localization applications implemented
especially in historical strategy games is effective in the increase
of the importance attached to the localization applications in the
other types of games with time.
It
is also vital that the websites that wish to open up beyond their own
country go through localization application. It is known that
Facebook, one of the most successful applications of localization
with users all around the world, has become the biggest social media
network in the world by this means. Also, performing localization is
also considered to be important in the field of e-commerce where
there is an intense competition between the major e-commerce sites.
Big companies like Ebay carry on with their localizations via the
sites that they have opened in every country. As for some sites, they
offer different language options on their sites and aim to reach out
to the consumers.