Software localization

Dania Lizeth Díaz Meza

Hiromi Kanakoqui Arroyo
Ailin Rivera Palafox
David Santiago Sáenz Sáenz
Carol Yamilet Benitez Chavez

What is it?
Is the process of adapting
software to both the culture Key features
and language of an end
user, from standards of The goal of software localisation is not just to
measurement to video and make the program or product available in other
languages. It’s also about ensuring the user
graphic design.
experience in those languages is as natural and
effective as possible.

Translating the user interface, messaging,

documentation, etc is a major part of the process.

Also key is a customisation process to ensure

everything matches the conventions, norms and
expectations of the target cultures.

Why is important software

localization ?
Software localization can help where is it used ??
you to reach a wider audience,
enhance the user experience, Localization is a crucial process to ensure that software is accessible

increase click-through rate,
and boost sales. It can help
you to take your e-commerce
and usable in different parts of the world, considering the diverse
linguistic and cultural needs of users.
User Interface (UI): The user interface needs to be translated into the
local language and culturally adapted so that users from different
regions can understand and effectively use the software.

business to a brand new level. Date and Time Format: Date and time formats can vary across
regions. Localization ensures that these formats are presented
according to local preferences.

Number and Currency Format: Currency symbols and the way

numbers are represented (decimals, thousand separators, etc.) can
vary by region.

Keyboard and Data Input: Some languages use specific characters

that may not be present on all keyboards. Localization addresses
these issues and ensures effective data input.

Who discovered software

localization?
Alan Turing is credited with
being the first person to come
up with a theory for software
in 1935, which led to the two
academic fields of computer
science and software
engineering.

Examples
1. User Interface Localization:
Let's say a software company develops a productivity app that is currently available only in
English. They decide to localize their app for the Japanese market. In this case, software
localization involves translating all the user interface elements, such as buttons, menus,
dialog boxes, and messages, from English to Japanese. Additionally, the date and time
formats, currency symbols, and other regional preferences must be adapted to suit
Japanese standards. This enables Japanese users to navigate and interact with the app
seamlessly, making it more user-friendly and appealing to the target market.

2. Content Localization:
Consider a social media platform that aims to expand globally and attract users from
different regions. To achieve this, the platform must localize not only the user interface but
also the content generated by users. Content localization involves translating user-
generated posts, comments, hashtags, and other textual content from one language to
another. Besides translation, cultural adaptations are necessary as well. For instance,
idioms, slang, or pop culture references may need to be adjusted or replaced, ensuring that
the content remains relevant and culturally appropriate for users in different countries. By
implementing content localization, the social media platform becomes more inclusive and
engaging for users worldwide.

In both examples, software localization is crucial for enhancing the user experience,
broadening the target audience, and increasing user adoption and satisfaction in different
markets.