Translation is the process of converting a text from language to another. It is
not, however, just a matter of a mechanical conversion of words: an accurate translation
requires complete understanding of the original text on the part of the translator, who
must 'render' it into the target language.
Localization is
the process of adapting the original contents to the linguistic and cultural systems of
the destination geo-linguistic area. This process must take into account technical
standards, stylistic requirements, and the expectations and needs of the target market. Software
localization involves the conversion of the textual information and the adaptation of
the software functionality, user interface, online manual and multimedia resources to the
target language, as well as the conversion of numeric components, adaptation of window
size, and formatting modifications where necessary. Web site localization involves
the conversion of the text and the adaptation of the site's graphical structure to the
target language, the construction of a parallel navigation structure to keep each
linguistic version in sync with the others, page formatting in order to support characters
in the target language, image and graphics processing with translation and adaptation to
the linguistic and cultural specifics of the target language, and finally the
reprogramming of any advanced scripting elements (Java, Javascript, VisualBasic Script,
script CGI/Perl/Php, files Flash/Shockwave, RealAudio, etc.).
Globalization is
the process of planning content which will be suited to a global public. Planning a
software product or website right from the beginning in such a way as to make it as
independent as possible from the geo-linguistic area it is aimed at is one of the
essential requirements for reducing costs and simplifying the process of localizing the
product itself.
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