Software Localization: Enhancing User Accessibility Worldwide

Software translation, or localization is a particularly essential task. It enhances the efficiency and user-friendliness of your software in the international market. Let’s explore software localization and some important information related to this topic!

What is Software Localization?

Definition

Software is a set of programmed instructions that enable computers to operate and execute specific tasks. Software plays a vital role, as the computer’s operation would be meaningless without it.

For example: Chrome, WhatsApp, Microsoft Word, etc.

Software Localization is the process of adapting software to the language of its end user. After being developed, software should be localized to reach a wide range of target audiences.

Software translation vs. localization

Software translation and localization are often used interchangeably. However, these two terms are not the same. Clients need to understand the differences to find the right service for their products.

1. • Software Translation is the process of converting software from a source language into a target language. This process typically renders the language only. The purpose of translating the language of the software is to convey the original ideas in the most accurate way.
2. • Software Localization is the process of adapting a technical product to both the culture and language of the target user. This involves not only translating but also adapting everything, from the design to the user experience.

The Importance of Software Localization

Software localization plays a crucial role in internationalization. If done effectively, it can bring several advantages to your software, such as:

1. • Attracting new audience: Software translation and localization will help you swiftly penetrate potential markets.
2. • Enhancing user experience: Visual culture concerning language differs in each country. Software localization brings a more convenient experience to users.
3. • Strengthening credibility and loyalty: Customers generally love to use software that supports their language. Software localization helps maintain attention and foster long-term relationships between the software and its users.
4. • Creating a significant competitive advantage: By attracting and providing a satisfying experience to new customers, you can gain a substantial competitive edge in the software development process.

What are the challenges of Software Localization?

Unlike some other types of translation, localizing software faces specific challenges due to the nature of the industry. Some of the difficulties that a software translator encounters are as follows:

1. • Differences in reading and writing conventions: Most languages, such as English, French, and Vietnamese, are read and written from left to right. However, some languages, like Arabic and Hebrew, are written in the opposite direction.
2. • Cultural and religious sensitivities: Software localization must be cautious to avoid any cultural or religious taboos. Linguists need to consider the cultural differences between countries to provide appropriate translations.
3. • Appropriate length and naturalness of the language: When translated into their equivalents, some terms may have different lengths. Translators must carefully choose words of appropriate length that maintain naturalness without affecting the software’s interface.

Publishers should employ suitable content localization strategies, especially when collaborating with translators in localization testing. This ensures that the software’s multilingual version will be compatible with the target market when it comes to the interface, functionality, and language.

Software Localization Process

Localization isn’t a simple task. It requires a specific standardized process. The standard localization process at Thaonco.com includes the following steps:

1. 1. Request a quote: Send us the information about your software and the target language, and we’ll provide you with an estimate.
2. 2. View quote and set up dashboard: We will set up a customized Dashboard for you to easily track the progress of your project.
3. 3. Make payment: You can select a suitable payment method from multiple options, such as cash, bank transfer, credit cards, PayPal, Payoneer, etc.
4. 4. Meet your linguists: We’ll select the linguists who best match the industry of your software.
5. 5. Activate ChatBoxⒸ: You can communicate directly with your assigned linguists through our exclusive ChatBox© feature.
6. 6. Project execution: We will translate and localize the content to be compatible with the language and culture, as well as proofread the translation:
   • Localization: Our linguists will accurately and meticulously translate and localize your software content, ensuring the new version of your software is natural and harmonious with local cultural nuances.
   • Proofreading: A proofreader will review the translation to ensure the highest quality.

Furthermore, for large translation projects that involve multiple linguists and specialists, a comprehensive translation guideline is especially necessary to ensure overall consistency. To ensure this, you can request our Translation Guidelines service before starting the localization work.

• • 7. Receive final work: Download files and own your customized translation dictionary that we created to ensure consistency.

Translation Rates

The price of software localization depends on several factors. The following factors directly affect the rate of software translation:

1. • Language pair(s): The source and target languages significantly affect the price of software localization. Certain languages with specific characteristics, such as Japanese, Arabic, and others, may have higher translation rates.
2. • Length: Generally, the length of the text and the number of words will determine the translation rate.
3. • Industry: Each software industry will have different translation rates. Some specialized fields, such as science and technology, may incur higher prices.
4. • Software localization supporting services: Localization is a crucial stage in software translation. This is a complex process that will significantly affect the rate of software translation.

Considering these factors, you can find a software translation service tailored to your budget and requirements. In addition, you can come to Thao & Co. where we provide expert software localization services, along with a range of optional supporting services.

At Thao & Co., you have the option to utilize various supporting services, including:

1. • Translation Guidelines that ensure the accuracy and consistency of the translation.
2. • SEO Keyword Glossary for common and familiar language for end-users, increasing the effectiveness of software promotion campaigns.
3. • Custom Integration + Linguistic Review which ensures the smooth operation of your software in the new language, saving you time and effort.

Key Considerations

Clients should choose a professional translation agency with ample experience in localization. This ensures the most desirable software translation at a competitive price.

Thao & Co. recognizes the growing demand for software translation and localization among businesses seeking market expansion and brand recognition. To meet this need, we offer high-quality localization services, performed by native professional linguists and technology experts. Thao & Co. is dedicated to providing multilingual software localization services that aim to deliver user-friendly experiences, tailored to your culture and language preferences.

1. • Translated by experienced linguists
2. • Expert localization services
3. • Transparent translation process and rates
4. • A free customized translation dictionary for each project
5. • Proprietary platform enabling you to easily monitor your project progress everywhere

Please don’t hesitate to share your project details on our Get a Quote page today!