business localization

Software localization facts – download the infographic

(Last Updated On: June 13, 2024)

Software localization facts

What is software localization? Localization is adapting your product to different locales so it appears native to the user in every way; including the language, numbers, dates, currency, and images.

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The world has come close, but we still hold on to our languages! USA Translate has seen that in today’s global economy, launching your software in German, Chinese, and Spanish before your competition does, might be the difference between runaway success and failure. It’s rarely a matter of whether you will use software localization or not, but when and how.

Download the software localization infographic here or click the image for a larger one. Alternatively you can get the PDF version which you will be able to read with just about any device.

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Why localize?

  • 895 of internet users are outside the US
  • 7% say obtaining information in their language is more important than price.
  • 1% spend most of their time on sites in their own language
  • 4% of the fortune 500 localize to reach more customers in the markets they already compete.
  • $1-$25 for every dollar invested in localization, 25 are returned.

The most common languages for software localization are; Francais, Deutsch, Espanol, and Italiano. That is because the need for localization is dependent on the buying power of the consumer market and their interest in the English language!

Other countries that are more interested in localization are; Czech Republic, India, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore.

Approaches To Localization

 

There are three main approaches to localize the software. They are as follows;

Manual

In manual approach, the translator translates the full content for the audience.

Problem: This approach is expensive and cumbersome. It also takes considerable amounts of time.

Positive traits: The translation is accurate, aware of brand identity, sensitive to context, style, and tone.

Automated

Computer Software is used to translate text from a language to another. Examples of this software will be Systran.

Problems: USA Translate has seen that it is imprecise, lacks keyword recognition, insensitive to style and tone, fast and it is also low cost.

software localization
Hybrid

The hybrid is the most recommended style of translation. It is efficient, accurate, and sensitive to context, style, and tone. It also allows for crowdsourcing.
The only problem is that it requires an initial learning curve. The initial learning curve will be the time that software will take up to pick up the database of formerly translated phrases to be used in the future.

There are many ways to keep in touch with the translators. Employees, contractors, or languages vendors also serve as translators. Emails are often used to communicate with translators and track progress.

Our most successful software localization model is Hybrid Model; it is best to execute complex projects that come with a strong word count and piles and piles of documents.7.642 words per project, 5 professional translators per languages, 6 languages per project

This model is being used by all the major software launchers such as Pinterest, Intel, Fashiolista, Wowzer, Reddit, Nitro and many others.

USA Translate has always advised our clients to use Hybrid translation mode for software localization projects. Hybrid translation model lives up to the expectations of the modern translation industry and will not fail the clients.

Importance of Software Localization

Software localization is crucial for reaching global markets and ensuring product success across diverse regions. By adapting software interfaces, help documentation, and user instructions to different languages and cultural norms, companies can provide a seamless user experience for international customers. Localization goes beyond mere translation; it involves comprehensive cultural adaptation, considering elements such as date formats, currency symbols, text direction, and even idiomatic expressions. Ensuring that software feels native to users in any region involves meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of cultural subtleties. This process not only makes the software accessible but also fosters trust and satisfaction among users, enhancing their overall experience and loyalty.

Enhancing User Experience through Localization

One key fact about software localization is its profound impact on user experience. Users are significantly more likely to engage with software that speaks their native language and conforms to their cultural expectations. This includes localized user interfaces, error messages, and support resources, which all contribute to a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. By providing a tailored experience, companies can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty, leading to higher retention rates and positive word-of-mouth. Effective localization can transform a product from merely functional to truly delightful, encouraging users to invest more time and trust in the software, and thereby fostering a stronger relationship between the company and its customers.

The Role of Human and Machine Translation

Effective software localization often involves a strategic combination of human and machine translation. While machine translation can handle large volumes of content efficiently, human translators are essential for ensuring the nuance, accuracy, and context-specific clarity that machines often miss. This hybrid approach allows for rapid yet precise localization, making software ready for diverse markets quickly and effectively. Human translators bring their cultural expertise and linguistic skills to the table, which is crucial for handling complex language structures and idiomatic expressions. This ensures that the translated content is not only accurate but also culturally relevant and engaging, enhancing the overall quality and reliability of the localized software.

Localization and Market Expansion

Another important fact is that software localization is a powerful strategy for market expansion. Localizing software opens doors to regions where English is not the primary language, significantly expanding a company’s potential user base. This strategic move can boost revenue and market share by making the product accessible and appealing to non-English speaking users. Entering new markets through localization requires careful planning and execution but offers substantial rewards in terms of growth and global presence. Companies that invest in localization demonstrate their commitment to serving diverse audiences, which can enhance their brand reputation and competitiveness in the international arena.

Technical Challenges in Software Localization

Software localization is not without its challenges, particularly on the technical front. It requires a thorough understanding of both the source and target languages, as well as the technical aspects of the software. Challenges include dealing with different character sets, ensuring proper text expansion and contraction, and managing right-to-left text orientation for languages like Arabic and Hebrew. Overcoming these technical hurdles is essential for delivering a flawless localized product. Developers and localization specialists must work closely to address these issues, ensuring that the software functions correctly and maintains its usability across different languages and regions. This collaborative effort is vital for achieving high-quality localization that meets user expectations.

Localization for Software Updates

Continuous localization is a best practice in software development, ensuring that updates and new features are consistently localized. This ongoing process means that as software evolves, its localized versions remain up-to-date. Continuous localization helps maintain a cohesive user experience and prevents the lag that can occur when localization is treated as a one-time project. By integrating localization into the development cycle, companies can ensure that every iteration of their software is ready for global release simultaneously. This approach not only saves time and resources in the long run but also ensures that all users, regardless of language, receive the same high-quality experience and access to the latest features.

Effective Localization for Global Audiences

Effective localization strategies ensure optimal user experience by adapting content to the target language and culture. Human translators, fluent in both the source and target languages, lead the localization process with the support of localization teams. This involves utilizing translation memory and implementing localization strategies to maintain cultural sensitivity. By targeting specific target markets and audiences, including foreign markets, localization efforts optimize user interface and resonate with native speakers in their native language, encompassing source code and the localization process.

Human translation ensures accurate adaptation of content from the source language to target languages for international markets. The translation process, managed by skilled translators, enhances customer experience by overcoming language barriers and cultural nuances. Continuous localization and effective localization strategies consider design elements, time formats, and currency formats to tailor marketing materials for diverse international audiences. This complex process ensures marketing strategies resonate with potential customers, utilizing both machine translations and human expertise to maintain precision and cultural relevance in language translation across various language pairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is software localization, and why is it important?

Software localization is the process of adapting software applications for different languages, regions, and cultures. This involves translating the user interface, help documentation, and user instructions, as well as modifying cultural elements like date formats, currency symbols, and text direction. Localization is important because it ensures that software is accessible and user-friendly for international markets, enhancing user experience and expanding a company’s global reach.

How does localization impact user experience?

Localization significantly improves user experience by making software feel native and intuitive to users in different regions. It ensures that users can interact with the software in their preferred language and in a manner that aligns with their cultural expectations. This includes localized interfaces, error messages, and support resources, which all contribute to a more seamless and engaging user experience. As a result, users are more likely to be satisfied and loyal to the software.

What are the technical challenges involved in software localization?

Technical challenges in software localization include dealing with different character sets, ensuring proper text expansion and contraction, and managing right-to-left text orientation for languages like Arabic and Hebrew. Additionally, there are challenges in localizing graphics, handling local conventions for date, time, and currency formats, and integrating these changes into the source code. Overcoming these challenges requires close collaboration between developers and localization specialists to ensure the software functions correctly and remains user-friendly across all target languages and regions.

What role do human translators play in the localization process?

Human translators play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and cultural relevance of localized content. While machine translation can handle large volumes of content quickly, human translators bring essential skills in nuance, context-specific clarity, and cultural sensitivity that machines often miss. They ensure that the translated content resonates with the target audience, maintaining the software’s usability and appeal. Human translators are also vital for managing complex language structures and idiomatic expressions that require a deep understanding of both the source and target languages.

How does continuous localization benefit software development?

Continuous localization is the practice of integrating localization into the ongoing software development cycle, ensuring that updates and new features are consistently localized. This approach prevents the lag that can occur when localization is treated as a separate, one-time project. Continuous localization ensures that all versions of the software are ready for global release simultaneously, saving time and resources. It also maintains a cohesive user experience, as users across different languages receive updates and new features at the same time, ensuring uniformity and satisfaction.



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