Website Translation, Localization and Internationalization

Many customers new to translation are confused by the terms «translation«, «localization» and «internationalization«. Although each term describes a distinct process for website projects, translation and localization are often used almost interchangeably. This article clears up the mystery around these basic concepts.

Website translation is also known as «Website Globalization». In order to «translate» a website into other languages you may need both Internationalization (I18N) and Localization (L10N) services.

What is Website Globalization?

Internationalization (I18N) involves enabling the backend of a website to handle different languages, character sets, currencies, submit form data, site search capabilities, etc., and involves understanding what database and Content Management Systems you are using to author, store and publish your website’s content. Many recent versions of databases (DB) and Content Management Systems (CMS) already support website Internationalization or are enabled for other languages.

Localization (L10N) involves translating and localizing the front end of your website into different languages ensuring all content (text and graphics) is translated in an accurate and culturally correct manner. Website localization involves website translation that is appropriate to the specific locale of your target audience, for instance the Brazilian Portuguese language in contrast to the continental Portuguese language.

Whether you are trying to launch a multilingual website in order to expand the markets for your products and services, or you are trying to increase your company’s global operational efficiencies by developing multilingual extranets and intranets, Website Globalization is a requirement to make either a reality. In order to enable your web presence to communicate, conduct and complete international e-commerce, you need to translate (globalize) your website.

Each client’s needs are somewhat unique and there are a variety of factors that can influence resources and costs involved in a complex website globalization project.

Website Internationalization Methodology and Internationalization (I18N) Methodology may include the following 4 steps:

1. Discovery
2. Assessment
3. Implementation
4. Testing

Each client is assigned a Globalization Services Team (GST) based on the information collected through the Discovery process. The information collected in this first step is critical to ensure each team member selected has the required expertise to not only complete the I18N work, but also to transfer the required knowledge and skills to your in-house development teams. All clients are given the opportunity to review their GST members’ credentials and interview them.

To get started, provide the localization agency with a copy of your Internationalization Kit, which should consist of:

1. Your website(s) URL
2. Any passwords or login instructions
3. Summary of website architecture
4. Summary of any technologies and/or development tools used to develop your website
5. Contact information for your development team who will participate in the globalization process
6. Contact information for your marketing team who will participate in the globalization process
7. Any source code for your website or web-driven application

Website Localization Methodology

website localization process may include the following steps:

1. Review, Analysis and Preparation of Client’s Source Files
2. Project Kick-Off Confirming Scope, Schedule and Teams
3. Web Authoring and Publishing Workflow Review
4. Subject Matter Training and Research
5. Glossary and Style Guide Development
6. Cultural Correctness Assessment
7. Search Engine Optimization and Global Search Engine Marketing
8. Translation, Editing and Proofreading of All Content
9. Web Graphics Localization
10. Multilingual Desktop Publishing for downloadable Language Version Documentation
11. Localization of Multimedia (e.g. Audio/Video Translation)
12. Draft Delivery to Client
13. Basic Online QA & Testing
14. Final Edits, Translation Memory Updates, and Archiving of Files

To get started, provide the localization company with a copy of your Localization Kit, which should consist of:

1. Your website(s) URL
2. Any passwords or login instructions
3. Summary of website architecture
4. Summary of any technologies and/or development tools used to develop your website
5. Information re: Content Management System (CMS) used to author, store and publish content
6. All files that make up your website in their original folder/file structure if applicable
7. All original graphics used in your website (artwork, background, navigation buttons)
8. All application source files (Word, PowerPoint, Quark, etc.) for any documentation available via your website
9. All application source files (Flash, etc.) for any multimedia available via your website
10. A list (if available) of all files that need to be translated

Source by Martin A Spethman