THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRANSLATION AND LOCALIZATION

Companies that take their e commerce to global levels would be encountering two terms viz.; translation and localization. Though these may be used interchangeably, they do have subtle differences. Many a times, clients get to a translation service provider while what they actually need is the help of localization services in India. So, it is important to understand the differences.

Translation is a concept that everyone understands. They know that it is the process of converting text from one language into another. The purpose of translation is to communicate with individuals who come from a different lingual background than yours. But what is localization?

It may sound to unfamiliar people as some kind of mapping technology or a logistics term, or even same as that of translation. Whatever idea you had of localization earlier, here is the actual concept. Localization is the process of adapting a service or product into the language of a particular region to account not only for linguistic differences but also for cultural as well.

Localization therefore involves more hard work than mere translation as it requires cultural adaptation. Translation is just one of the processes carried out while performing localization work. Apart from translation, localization might also include adapting graphics to suit target consumers; modifying content to fit the tastes and consumption habits of the target consumer; converting content attributes to local requirements; adjusting design and layout to fit translated content; adapting local formats for addresses, measures, currency, phone numbers, dates and hours; and conforming to local regulations.

So, while all good translations would incorporate a localization element in them, translation and localization are somewhat different. However, the two processes are complementary in nature. That is, translation can’t be complete without localization and vice versa. So, businesses that want to go global should decide upon taking the help of localization services in India.