PCS Software Localization Services
What is software internationalization, localization, globalization ?
Localisation, i.e. the adaptation to another language and culture of software, has an impact on software engineering. In a first step, software should be internationalized (I18N), i.e. be designed in a way that it can be adapted to various languages and regions (not just one) without engineering changes to the programming logic. In principle, it is stuff that has to be done only once. However, sometimes I18N is done in stages. Often developers forget that some languages are more verbose than others. E.g. the English word “redo” is translated into the German “wiederherstellen” (4 times a long) and that means that menu items must be much wider. Also, developers forget that some languages work in other directions. For example,Arabic and Hebrew work from right-to-left (but quoted English phrases are still spelled from left to right). Chinese is vertical. More subtle points concern sorting, e.g. in some languages extended characters such as the “Ö” would be placed after the Z. A really difficult issue concerns the sentence structure. Most often, programmers work with simple placeholders. In English phrases words don’t change very much if one word changes, whereas in other languages changing a single word can imply changes to other words. E.g. “important %s” can become “X important” or “Y importants. In German this becomes “wichtiger X” “wichtige Y” and “wichtiges Z”. Read J. Wittner & D. Goldschmidt (2007) technical challenges and localization tools for a good summary of major internationalization issues.
Localization (L10N) means adaption of a product following the needs of a particular population in a precise geographic region. Needs include linguistic, cultural and ergonomic aspects. (Le grand dictionnaire terminologique).
Get the Right Software Localization Services
Making software accessible and practical in another language is no simple task. Don’t assume you can start the process once your software hits the market.
Localization requires years of experience in translation and an understanding of app and software development.
PCS provides businesses around the world with translation and software localization services. We translate from and into over 200 different languages.
We can convert your products into new languages and localize them for use by new customers. Our focus is on quality, service, and innovation. Our goal is that both you and your end-users thrive and become successful.
Whether you need a simple translation or an overhaul of your user interface, PCS works to understand your goals and help you develop a plan for localization.