What is Localization?
Localization refers to the adaptation of an original product/program to properly meet the target market. Localization does not generally include the revision of source code of a program or reengineering a product (refer to the definition of internationalization below). Localization includes but is not limited to topics such as translation, collateralization, resizing and desktop publishing, graphics, compiling, testing, etc
What is Globalization?
Globalization refers to the entire process of entering the international marketplace. There are generally four main areas to consider during this process: internationalization of source code, localization, international marketing/sales, and international distribution.
What is Internationalization?
Internationalization refers to anything that involves writing or altering the source code of an original product so that you can properly market it in another country. Generally, internationalization of source code must occur prior to localization. Examples of internationalization topics include:
– double-byte enabling
– conversion to UNICODE
– elimination of hard-coded text
– internationalize the user interface design
– adjustment of default settings
– resizing
Internationalization is also sometimes referred to as “product enabling.”
What is Localization engineering?
The process of using specific localization applications, compilers, and tools to prepare software for release in other markets or localities.
What is Translation memory (TM)?
A TM is a database in which translated text and corresponding source text are stored for future use. New source text is automatically paired with these prior translations through the use of source/target matching technology. The matching process identifies new text, fuzzy matches and 100% matches, as well as repeated segments.
What is Fuzzy match?
A ‘fuzzy’ match describes a level of matching within a translation memory. It is a segment that is similar (but not 100% identical) to the sentence or phrase the translator is currently translating. Translators can use this fuzzy match as a suggested translation ,but with the knowledge that it must be carefully edited.
What is the difference between “translation” and “localization”
Translation is a subset of localization. Translation involves converting source text from one language into another. However, once the text is translated, many other changes must be made to the product to make it suitable for a local market. These changes encompass technical, linguistic and cultural issues.
What technical issues involved in software localization?
– resizing
– reformatting
– adjusting default settings
– recompiling
– testing
– recreating icons
– creating new graphics
– reformatting documentation
What cultural issues involved in avoiding being inappropriate or offensive?
– packaging
– icons
– features
– samples
– sensitive terms regarding political affairs, local regulations, and religion
What is the difference between Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese?
There are three main differences:
The appearance of the Chinese characters is different. The characters of Traditional Chinese look more complex than the characters of Simplified Chinese, because Traditional Chinese characters have more strokes compared to their corresponding Simplified Chinese characters.
The character sets are different. Simplified Chinese uses GB code, and Traditional Chinese uses BIG5. If you are using a Win 2000/NT or later operating system, both types of Chinese characters are in Unicode.
The terminology is different between Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese. Most Chinese can understand both forms of the language. Almost all the word orders and sentence structures are the same, but the language style is different.