Software localisation is the process of translating and adapting software. Whilst the content is being translated, it’s also adapted for specific markets and languages by translating user interfaces, system messages and help functions. Additionally, cultural elements such as date formats, currencies and regional settings are adapted. It requires technical competence, linguistic expertise and an understanding of how software functions in order to ensure that the software feels natural and usable for the target market.
Why software localisation requires specialist expertise
Software localisation is more complex than document translation because the text must function within the software’s technical constraints. Translations must fit within buttons, menus and dialogue boxes with limited space. String variables, plural forms and gender inflection are handled differently across languages, requiring technical understanding. Furthermore, it can be challenging to understand the context of text without access to the actual program. Localisation must also handle cultural adaptation where colours, icons and images might have different meanings across cultures, date and time formats vary globally and keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys must be adapted for different keyboard layouts.
What is included in professional software localisation?
Professional software localisation includes translation of user interfaces by specialists with software experience, technical adaptation of formats for dates, times, currencies and units of measurement, functional testing of localised software to ensure proper operation, quality assurance according to ISO standards with ISO-certified system support and software term bases that ensure consistent terminology across product versions. An experienced translation partner with localisation expertise works with translators who understand software development and can work with localisation tools that handle various file formats such as XML, JSON, XLIFF and PO files. They use specialised tools to extract translatable text, handle string variables correctly and reintegrate translations into the software. Find out more about Fluid’s workflows.
Read more about software localisation in our case study about ESGgo!