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One Word for One World
One Word for One World

What is Localization?

Generally speaking, localization is converting a text to meet the local circumstances. For example, it is often not enough to simply translate a contract; the translation also has to be checked against the local laws and regulations. This type of work generally requires a legal expert. Localization also involves adjusting sizes and weights from feet and inches to centimeters and meters for example. In the translation world, localization means translating a text and making it suitable for use in a different country.

Software translations are a good example of this. This process involves more than simply translating the text strings; it involves adjusting the layout, help programs, program codes, graphics and units, etc.

Translation vs. Localization

Translation focuses on the words, grammar and tone of voice within the content, whether it is a document translation or translating a phrase from one language into another.

Localization, on the other hand, is where the linguist goes one-step further than a direct translation and starts to take into account other factors that will influence the target audience, such as style, color, and imagery. One of the most requested forms of localization is website localization, or website translation as it is also referred to.

Our Translators Will Notify You

Other things that need to be considered are slogan translations where suggestive wording might be too subtle or in fact cause major offense. Our in-country, native speaker translators will suggest alternative wording, phrasing, or use of images and slogans when the original will not work in the target language and may even cause offense. So, we’ll help you avoid costly mistakes.

Professional translators prefer our translation service. Fasttranslator is a corporate member of the leading global translation society ProZ, where 42 translators have given us a score of 5,0 out 5.