What Is Localization in Translation?

Localizing a training is relocating it to a new region. Ensure that the training is localized to the needs of the people. Thus, they will feel like the training is custom made for them.

Defining Translation and Localization

Merriam-Webster defines translation according to is “an act, process, or instance of translating: such as a rendering from one language into another”

According to dictionary.cambridge.org, localization is defined as “the process of making a product or service more suitable for a particular country, area, etc.”

“Localization” addresses cultural, textual, and non-textual components and adapts the courses for another country or locale.

Locale:  Language and Location

“Locale” refers to a combination of a language and the place where the language is spoken. Sometimes, the same language is spoken in different regions. Therefore, the locale is important. For instance, consider British and American English. Native speakers of these languages can immediately understand the version you are using. These differences can make an impact on the acceptance of your courses.

What is included in localization?

Localization involves adapting elements to target learners. It gives the content in a way as the learners expects it. In the process, it does the following:

1. Modifies graphics and design to display translated text
2. Changes content according to preferences
3. Converts local currencies and units of measurement
4. Uses proper format for elements like dates, addresses, and phone numbers
5. Addresses local regulations and legal requirements

You will have to make the following changes while localizing content:

1. Imperial and metric measurements: An American document would have imperial measurements such as feet. In some cases, while localizing content, you’ll have to give metric equivalents.

2. Currency units: Certain instances would demand you to change the currency. Therefore, you would need to do a currency conversion.

3. Paper size: While translating a printed document, keep in mind the European A4 paper and American letter size. The page size can affect formatting and page breaks.

4. Date formats: There are differences in the date formats. For instance, 01/02/15 means January 2 as in the U.S. or February 1 as in the U.K. These differences can be crucial.

5. Text length: In the localization, prepare for differences in text length resulting from translation because it can affect the documents when used in particular software or places with a character limit.

Localization as a form of translation

Localization isn’t just translation.

• It is an adaptation to a specific locale.
• It gives extra attention to the target culture.
• It is less concerned with sticking to the original text.
• Culture, history, taste, customs, and tone are critical to localizing content.

Why is localization so crucial in the corporate world now?

1. When you localize your courses to a global audience, it strengthens the global presence of your brand.
2. Localizing your courses helps you gain the trust of your learners to fit their needs.
3. Localization creates content that is relevant to your learner. Specialized content is made in this process. When people get what they want, it leads to better absorption and retention.
4. Ensure that you are aware of the social norms of the region. Avoid local insensitivities.
5. User experience is essential. Localizing your eLearning courses, training material, documentation, social media, and website can satisfy your learners.
6. Localization requires collaboration. A localization team would include localization engineers, project managers, translators, and specialists. Though the number of members in the team depends on the size of your organization, you will need great collaboration within the group. This can streamline the workflow of your organization.
7. Localization is necessary to go global. It is the key to international success.

Localization strategy

Localization strategy refers to how a company adapts its message to a particular language and culture. It modifies the tone, imagery, and subject matter to connect with the local learners successfully. Your organization needs locally consumable eLearning courses, training material, websites, and more to be successful. Most companies consider global localization at the beginning of their globalization process. Consider how you will localize once your start considering going global.

Guidelines for Localizing Content

1. Are you thinking about globalizing your business?

• Consider localization as soon as you consider the globalization process.
• Think about how to structure your content to communicate with as broad an audience as possible.
• Try creating resources that learners in multiple cultures can understand.

2. Have you already started globalizing your business?

• Start thinking about content localization now if you are in the globalization process without a content localization strategy.
• Determine what is the highest priority for localization and translation.
• Develop a strategy based on your targets and global learners.

3. Let the process be simple

• Personalization is a significant trend in learning strategy.
• Therefore, minimize culturally specific content. Make your content relevant to the broadest possible audience.

Final words

Remember, your learners are of utmost value to your organization. They must feel being valued. Localizing the content on your elearning courses, training material, website and other documents, including social media, makes them feel that the courses are made for them. This feeling helps effective knowledge transfer.

Are you thinking about globalizing your business? Consider localization too. Have you already started globalizing your business? Start thinking about content localization now. Local is the new global!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of localization in translation?

“Translation” is “an act, process, or instance of translating: such as a rendering from one language into another.” “Localization” addresses cultural, textual, and non-textual components and adapts the courses for another country or locale. Localization isn’t just translation. It is an adaptation to a specific locale. It gives extra attention to the target culture.

Why is localization important in translation?

Localization is important in translation because:

1. Localization gives importance to the target culture.
2. It is less concerned with the original text.
3. Culture, history, taste, customs, and tone are critical to localizing content.

What’s the difference between translation and localization?

The translation is rendering your text into another language, whereas localization emphasizes the cultural, visual, and technological aspects of changing content for users in different languages.

What is the difference between globalization and localization?

Globalization makes resources accessible to people from different cultures and regions, whereas localization makes resources accessible to the people of a particular locale. Globalization makes resources acceptable to people from different cultures during localization focus on a specific audience.