User:Ewags/sandbox

Website localization is the process of adapting a website into a different linguistic and cultural context It involves much more than the simple translation of text. This modification process must reflect specific language and cultural preferences in the content, images and overall design and requirements of the site – all while maintaining the integrity of the website. In addition, the modification of the website must take into consideration the stated purpose of the new website with a focus on the targeted audience/market in the new locale

The process of website localization is complex and involves three different levels of adaptation. First is translation. Website localization involves adapting any text being used into the language of the country. It is important that translation of information be “clear and understandable” to avoid cultural misunderstanding or offense. Second is the actual localization, which includes translation but also involves all other efforts and activities to ensure that the adaptation of textual materials, visual displays, illustrations and graphics are “linguistically and culturally appropriate for the target locale.” Target locale is understood as the “market segment defined by criteria including language, currency, and perhaps educational level or income bracket.” Among the many technical elements, which can be localized, are: date and time formats, currency formats, number formats, address and telephone number formats, units of measure and connection speed. Third is internationalization, which involves making sure that the software being used is fully compatible with the technology of the country in question. There are two important considerations to keep in mind during the process of website localization. The first is to focus on the demands of the user. The readers of the “localized version of the website” want to be able to read and understand the pages in a way that makes sense to them. A second consideration is to take into account the goals of the client, whether an institution, government or individual, for example.

The Business
Using website localization to its best advantage is vital to any business seeking to move into international markets. With more and more companies seeking to tap into these lucrative markets, website localization has become quite profitable. The business side involves global and local coordination; production and operations, including finance; sales and marketing; language translation, including technology and linguistic coordination; software engineering, as well as design.