Some companies use the terms “translation” and “localization” interchangeably. While both services are key to making the world of international business go round, are they really the same? What is the difference between them? Today I’d like to share what you should know as a buyer to ensure that you’re getting what your organization and your stakeholders need.
Language Translation
Translation is the most commonly requested service for written texts that are destined for new audiences who read different languages. In this process, the translator takes the meaning of an existing text written in one language and reproduces it in another language. It gives readers the opportunity to enjoy or take advantage of information that they normally wouldn’t have had access to otherwise.
Language Localization
Localization is a process of adapting text, as well as other elements, from one region or locale into another. It includes taking into account the standards of the target language and culture, and communicating the meaning of the source text as effectively and appropriately as possible. The goal is to have the target audience interact with the text as if it were originally created for that specific audience.
Localization is commonly used for product marketing, multimedia content, websites and software, or whenever it’s crucial to convey the message while meeting local cultural and linguistic expectations. Localized items may include: vocabulary, expressions, date formats, colors, images, currency units, units of measurement, paper size, and even humor and values.
Localization vs Translation: Here Is Where It Gets Blurry
It is very common for clients to request translations in a specific dialect (like UK English, Canadian French or Argentine Spanish) and translators are very accustomed to producing translations in specific dialects. Depending on the specifics of your project, your target audience and the expertise of the translator involved, the resulting translation may effectively be a localization. However, it’s not a guarantee.
Getting the Localization You Need
Mexican consumers aren’t usually very impressed with ads meant for Spain. And so on.
When the success of your project hinges on local acceptance, localization is the service you require. Localization teams may include copywriters, marketers, consultants and others, as well as linguists, to ensure that your text is most effective and has the right amount of local flavor to please your audience’s cultural and linguistic expectations. However, if you’re still not sure whether translation or localization would be a better choice for your project, we’d be happy to advise you.
Language Expertise
Responsive Translation can help you communicate with your stakeholders around the globe. We provide translation, localization and other foreign-language services in more than 200 languages and dialects. For more information, please contact 646-847-3309 or [email protected].