The terms “Translation” and “Localization” are often used interchangeably. However, these are two entirely different things. While translation is an important component of the other, localization is a much more deep, complex process.
Translation refers to the simple translation of written content into another language, so that it’s readable and understandable in context. While this is often enough for basic intelligibility, it does not take the cultural preferences, needs, and desires of your targeted audience into account.
Localization, on the other hand, is much more in-depth, complex, and time-consuming. When a website or a piece of software is localized, the software or website itself is modified – not just with translations, but with other changes, such as:
● Graphics targeted to specific markets
● Content that’s modified to suite the tastes/habits of a target market
● Adaptive design/layouts that present translated text properly
● Conversion to local requirements (currencies, units of measurement, etc.)
● Proper local formats for dates, addresses, phone numbers
● Adherence to local governmental laws, regulations, and guidelines
Localization is much more time-consuming and in-depth than translation and requires an expert knowledge of your targeted culture, language, and the software that’s being modified. That’s why it’s so critical to choose the right company that is experienced, knowledgeable, and employs a wide variety of native localization specialists.
So if you’re localizing an application, a piece of software, or a website, you need to partner with the right company. You need to choose On the Dot Translations.
Professional Translators, Expert Specialists
To successfully localize your product, website, or software, you need much more than a team of translators. You need a team of translators, project managers, and other specialists/software developers. While translation is usually performed after the completion of a document or product, this area often requires a specialised team to work simultaneously alongside the software or website that’s being developed.
See more about our process below, or contact our team today!
Our Services:
- Expert translators – Our translators are certified experts in their native languages and go through a comprehensive vetting process before we begin partnering with them. This ensures reliable translation quality and utmost attention to detail.
Using information about your product and its intended audience, our experts will create custom-tailored translations for every step of the entire process. - Project managers – Our team of project managers provide a clear point-of-contact for your team, streamlining communication between teams, and ensuring that expected guidelines are adhered to, our project managers ensure that your project is running smoothly.
Localization experts – With the expertise of our specialists, we can quickly modify aspects of your software or website to conform to the expectations of your target market. From time/date changes to restyling scripts and graphics, adapting your user interface to include special characters, and testing the specialized software, we can do it all!
- Software developers – If desired, we can contract with software developers who can quickly implement the changes recommended by our localization experts and expert translators. This aids in a faster project turnaround and can help projects progress more smoothly.
With our team you’ll have access to all of the tools you need to quickly adapt your software program or website to a brand-new audience! Contact us to learn more about our rates or learn more about our process below!
Comprehensive, In-Depth Localization Process
During the whole process we leave absolutely no stone unturned. We deliver perfection guaranteed. Take a look at our unique approach to localization now!
1. Analysis and roadmapping
Each project we undertake begins with a comprehensive roadmapping session. During this time, client expectations are defined, and an analysis of the source material for localization is conducted. A list of tools and software required will be compiled, and an expected timeframe will be outlined.
2. Localization assessment
Using the information gathered in our initial roadmapping sessions, our team will assess the technical, linguistic, and cultural needs of your project – and ensure that we have the appropriate staff, tools, and expertise to meet your needs.
3. Creation of terminology glossary and style guide
We’ll begin our project by creating a thorough style guide and terminology glossary, based on the source material we’re provided with.
These documents are used to ensure that a proper tone is adhered to, and that your translated, localized software conforms as closely as possible both to brand guidelines, and the design of the original product.
4. Translation to the target language(s)
After we’ve finished initial preparations, we will begin the translation process, using your input, our style guide, and the source material as our guide. Using skilled professionals, we’ll develop a comprehensive, context-sensitive translation of all of the required components of your software or website.
The result is an intuitive, culturally-appropriate translation of your original product that maintains the same functionality, but is perfectly tailored to your target audience and language.
5. User Interface Adaptation/Editing
After your content has been translated, there’s a high likelihood that the UI of your product will require modification in order to properly display translated text.
Use of non-Roman alphabets such as the Cyrillic or Arabic alphabet, for example, can often cause UI components to become unsightly, confusing, or non-functional. Our team can help identify these issues, and recommend the appropriate changes.
6. Media Localization
If your app, program, or website contains scripts, graphics, video, or any other media that contains visible text, it will need to be modified, and localized into your chosen language.
In addition, our team may recommend the “genericization” of certain symbols and text-based elements. This will help reduce the costs, and ensure that your product is easy to navigate in every language.
7. Quality Assurance
After our initial services has been completed, we’ll provide a prototype of the localized software or product to our Quality Assurance (QA) team. Our QA team will then test your product thoroughly, over thousands of different use-cases, and ensure that our product conforms to your required standards, and is easy to use and navigate.
8. Project Delivery
Once our team of QA testers has verified the quality of your renewed software, we’ll deliver the entire project to you – along with all relevant documentation, source code, media assets, and other items.
We approach each and every order with this level of care, attention, and dedication. So if you’re looking for a partner, look no further than On the Dot Translations!
Contact Us Today To Learn More About Our Rates And Services!
With competitive rates, expert service, and an unparalleled dedication to your satisfaction, On the Dot Translations is the #1 choice.
If you’re interested in software, application, or website localization services, get in touch with us today. We would be glad to schedule an initial discussion about the scope, details, expected timeline of your project and show you why we’re the best localization partner in the business!
The telecommunications industry is in a constant state of flux.
