LANGUAGES

What is Localisation?

Localisation is a Translation and an Adaptation.

Translation

Many companies define Localisation as a Translation process. When you use a CD-ROM, it was probably developed in the USA and translated in your language. This works well for computer sofware.

Adaptation

For educational software, Localisation is a content Adaptation, not a Translation. It has to be country-specific:

National Curriculums
Learning and Teaching styles
Language and culture (flags, foods, songs, etc.)

Limits

You can’t always localise educational content. For example, you can’t translate language activities such as rhyming. You have to create new content. In-country specialists review the products. They advise on the best practices.

Internationalisation

Internationalisation happens when the same content is used across countries. This works for non-specific content like manuals and helps. To be cost-effective, companies use Translation Memory Tools and develop flexible localisation tools.

SUMMARY

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