Localization | Basic information

Localization is a specific type of translation

Localization includes activities in which various applications, software tools, on-line tips or web pages are converted into another language (other languages) in such a way for the resulting product to be not only correctly translated with regard to the target country of use, but also so that its functionality is fully preserved. This essentially concerns the extraction of all text from the source application, its translation and re-import back to its destination and testing in the target application. Computer games and web presentations can be localized in the same way.

Localization has many advantages in comparison with a classical translation and the creation of individual language versions for software

It can be said, in a simplified way, that during localization no changes have to be made in program codes, and therefore various types of software do not have to be created for every location (programming every language version). This brings the following:

• less work for programmers, graphic designers, etc.
• a reduction in the risk of errors
• a reduction in costs for issuing individual language versions
• a decrease in costs in issuing upgrades

We use CAT software for translation and Localization of programs

CAT (Computer Aided Translation) is an abbreviation for a translation supported by a computer with the use of special software. This is not a translation done by a machine; it is a human translation supported by a created translation memory. Some of the programs that we use for this are Trados, Transit, SDLX, Word Fast and Déjà Vu.

CAT software has undeniable benefits

Here are some of the benefits that the use of CAT software brings:

• terminological consistency (use of the same specialist phrases and expressions throughout the document)
• lower translation costs (translation of the same sentence takes place only once)
• possibility of creating a translation memory and terminological dictionary
• support of various file types
• improvement in Quality Management
• increase in quality of translation
  
  

Testing and quality control are an important part of Localization

All localized applications must be tested and compared with the source versions. The quality of the final product must be checked. Various technical tools are used for this purpose.