Software localization (localisation)

Software localization and internationalization is adapting computer software to different languages and regional differences.

Internationalization (also called i18n, where i stands for the number of letters between the “i” and the “n”) is designing software application to be adopted to various languages without engineering changes.

Localization (l10n, respectively) is adopting software for a specific region or language (to local markets).

Localization is translating the language into foreign languages and regions by adding specific components and translating text.

The commercial benefit of localization is access to more markets. It costs more to produce products to international markets, but in an increasingly global economy supporting only one language (market) is scarcely an option.

Software localization process includes:

LANGUAGE LOCALIZATION
- alphabetical /scripts
- different numeration systems
- writing direction (e.g. Arabic)
- spelling variants of the same language in different countries
- text processing difference
INPUT
- keyboard shortcuts
- graphic representation of text
CULTURE
- images and colors
- names and titles
- telephone numbers, addresses, international postal codes
- currency (symbols, positions of currency markers)
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
- paper sizes
WRITING CONVENTIONS
- date/time format, including use of different calendars
OTHER ASPECTS OF PRODUCT
LANGUAGE TRANSLATION
- National variety of languages
- Special support for certain languages (e.g. Asian)
- Local customs
- Local content
- Symbols
- Aesthetics
- Cultural values and social context