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.