Software Localization Services

English, an ASCII-based language, requires 128 specified characters. Great! Only 128!

But all other languages require more characters, more space, different formatting, even a different direction. The challenge: your software must run as well in other languages as it does in English.

LISA (Localisation Industry Standards Association) defined 

internationalization (I18N) 

as follows:

"Internationalization is the process of generalizing a product so that it can handle multiple languages and cultural conventions without the need for re-design. Internationalization takes place at the level of program design and document development."

So, internationalization begins during the planning stage of software development. Ensure your software is internationalized. The longer you wait during the development process, the more complicated—and expensive—it becomes. Ensure your developers go through (and pass) an internationalization checklist before checking in their code to the main branch.

Check the web for an internationalization checklist based on your platform.

Make sure the following are included:

  • externalize all strings,
  • ensure there is no string concatenation,
  • provide extra space in UI layout for text expansion when translating: usually about 30%,
  • identify and mark externalized strings which should not be translated,
  • use unique String Ids,
  • supply content information on strings—this helps with correct translation/localization (e.g., verb or noun?),
  • run a trial pseudo localization,
  • test target fonts,
  • test right-to-left and left-to-right languages,
  • ensure it is double-byte enabled.

If you need assistance internationalizing your software, there are specialists able to help you. Remember: the earlier any issue is found, the less expensive it is to fix it.

Great! Your software is fully internationalized.

This is where Translations ABC steps in and takes care of the rest of the world for you.

We take your fully internationalized software product and 

we localize it for your specified target countries. 

What do we mean by localize? Again, according to LISA,

"Localization involves taking a product and making it linguistically and culturally appropriate to the target locale (country/region and language) where it will be used and sold."

Remember: a full locale includes the language and country code, and it supports alternate spellings, date formats, and other differences between two countries with a shared language.

Translations ABC has been providing translation and localization services for over 36 years. We have compiled a database with over 4,000 professional linguists with advanced degrees and/or certification. Our linguists do not make it into our database until we personally and rigorously screen them for linguistic ability, knowledge expertise, and professionalism.

This results in two distinct qualities that Translations ABC holds above most of the other translation service providers: both clients and linguists prefer working with us. 97% of our clients stay with us: so do our linguists. We treat them all with respect.

If you want to enjoy the deeply satisfying experience of true customer satisfaction working with professionals just like you, contact Translations ABC. We will become your go-to language service provider.

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