What is Localization Services?
Localization and translation services are closely related to each other at the first glance, but the more you go deeper into their characteristics the more differences that you can find between them. Let’s have a journey to the world of translation and localization services and after this, your vision will be clearer.
What are the differences between translation and localization services?
As the definitions are the first step in the recognition process, let’s define each one of them:
Localization means:
Localization is the linguistic and cultural adaptation of digital content to the requirements and the local of a foreign market. Thus, localization activities include translation and a wide range of additional activities, so simply it is the umbrella under which translation comes. In an attempt to make the concept more accessible to the layperson, localization is almost defined as “like a translation, but more than that.”
Translation means:
The translation is simply the communication of the meaning of a source-language text by means of an equivalent target-language text. Thus, localization is a more specified process that goes beyond transferring the meanings of words. It includes translation in the first place, but it contains other factors such as text length, local idioms, cultural references, measurement units, date formats, and page sizes.
Nothing could make the differences between localization and translation services clearer than an example, so let’s examine them more:
Websites are one of the main and fundamental materials upon which both localization and translation services are applied. so let’s make it our base of comparison
Website localization | Website translation |
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What is the importance of website localization?
For companies expanding to global markets, website localization services and content localization services are not an option, it is definitely a must. A website is your brand mirror that reflects its features, so localizing it well:
- Leaves a good and professional impression in new locales and markets.
- Attract new customers and audiences.
- An informative tool about your brand, product or service.
- Conduct sales and generate leads
Undoubtedly, companies while expanding their brand may devote money, time and effort to the visual and the content of their website but the thing that is usually neglected is language.
Can’t Read, Won’t Buy
CSA Research has gone through many surveys of thousands of consumers in 29
Countries The findings are detailed in “Can’t Read, Won’t Buy – B2C.”.On the same scope CSA research points out in their widely quoted study, more than 65% of internet users prefer websites in their native language.
This theory states the importance of languages in content localization services and website localization services. As each culture has its own preferences and customs, foreign customers need to be conducted in their own native language to make it easy for them to buy your product or use your service. Always put in mind, the option of making shopping fun not a trying process for your customers.
To conclude this point, Website localization is not only about the mere or literal translation, but about localizing and reflecting the nuances of each culture in the tone, color palettes, photos, typography and layout. We in Europe localize as one of the best translation and localization services company can tailor for you the best version of content localization services that best reflect your brand for worldwide expansion.
Evidently, nothing could make it clearer more than a live example, so let’s check with one:
PUBG: Battlegrounds
PUBG: Battlegrounds (previously known as PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, or simply PUBG) is an online multiplayer battle royal game developed and published by PUBG Corporation, a subsidiary of Krafton. The game is based on previous mods that were created by Brendan “PlayerUnknown” Greene for other games, inspired by the 2000 Japanese film Battle Royale, and expanded into a standalone game under Greene’s creative direction.
Pubg Corporation has been able to build such a massive player base through content localization services. The game has 12 versions, each one of them speaks the native language of its country.
Evidently, games are entertainment tools people use just for fun, so they will only get attracted to the one that gives them the full experience in their own native language to enjoy playing without foreign languages disturbance and to better understand the instructions.
On the other hand, we have agreed before that localization is not only about modifying the language, but the tone and the nature of the product too and this point is also applied for PUBG as the game has a violent tone which was attached by the Chinese government the thing that forced Pubg Corporation to make it less violent and change some of the characteristics of the characters to be culturally and socially accepted in china. Thus, two versions of the game, Army Attack (air, water and land battles) and Battlefield (similar to Pubg mobile) were released specially for China.
In conclusion, Translation and localization services and website localization services are a must for any brand that wants to cross new roads and open new markets worldwide. We in Europe Localize have a team of highly sophisticated marketers, content writers, copy editors and translators who can place you in the perfect place in the world map with languages. Thus, do not hesitate to get in touch!
