Some people may not understand the terms in this title, globalization, internationalization, localization, and translation. Localization is often thought of as translation. Although translation is part of localization, localization is not the same as translation.
Globalization (g11n) and Internationalization (i18n)
Globalization (g11n) is to expand a company’s business market to a global market. Globalization requires internationalization (i18n), localization (L10n), and translation (t9n).
Internationalization (i18n) is the preparation and implementation of products and services for various units, symbols, date formats, and more. For example, Unicode implementation of software and hard-code removal from programs are internationalization. Unicode allows IT services to display various languages. By the removal of hard-coded variables, linguists can translate without working with a code. Internationalized products are ready for localization and globalization.
Differences between translation (t9n) and localization (L10n)
Localization is a cultural adaptation process. Translation, which is a part of localization, is a process of changing from a source language to a target language. Localization includes more target objects, such as languages, systems, training, businesses, games, software, applications, websites, and more. For example, in the global expansion of a software business, we will localize products, manuals, support systems, websites, knowledge bases, human resources management, etc. for each country’s culture. Website localization covers images, headlines, designs, configurations, and more. As the examples show, localization is not for languages but for various aspects of products, and business. Proper localization with cultural understanding is an essential component of global businesses.
For example, company advertisements, even if they are accurate translations, can cause unexpected consequences in some cultures because of different meanings associated with colors and shapes. Localization, which conveys the company’s intention, plays a significant role in the branding of companies or organizations.