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Overview

Translation

Localization

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Terminology

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Overview

Translation

Localization

Authoring

Revision

Terminology

Localization and going local

Linguistic localization is more than just translation with a local touch. Of the two main areas in which localization plays a key role, namely software localization and web site localization, the localization of software is the older.

Reworking and adapting software for a specific “locale” started in the 1980-ies, when it became apparent that local users of software needed that software both in their own language and according to the cultural and other conventions that were specific to their locale. Localized software not only demanded its own code page, keyboard mapping and often printer definitions, but also involved reworking examples and scenarios (including different names for individuals, and different sports, professions and leisure activities) and changing database structures (such as the elements of postal addresses).

Software programming has changed dramatically, and so has linguistic localization. Yet still a host of other aspects needs to be addressed, from redefining spelling rules (for example for the days of the week and the names of months) and converting units (from Imperial to metric or vice versa) to adopting the “lingo” of specific target audiences. Users of social media communicate differently from users of medical software. In addition, more and more applications are web-based, while the use of XML as a vehicle for both instructions and textual content has been very much on the increase for quite a few years now.

Nico van de Water Linguistic Services has the cultural and technical know-how and expertise to successfully handle the demands of these types of localization. Direct exposure to localization standards and conventions at for example IBM, DEC and Microsoft, as well as experience in the use of the right localization tools (such as Microsoft® Localization Studio and Alchemy CATALYST) guarantee the proper linguistic localization of software and web sites. With a career in going local dating back to 1987, your investments are in safe hands.