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Difference between translation and localization: A Myth or Fact?

Translation and Localization

By Cindy EvaPublished 3 years ago 4 min read
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So you are given the task to translate the description of a product. With the help of research, a trail will appear that will lead you to two very similar conclusions - translation and localization. So, what is it then?

You may feel it's not worth the headache to worry about whether translation or localization is the right approach. But linguists and professionals understand it's worth spending the time, effort, and money on it. This comes to the fact that IT IS NOT A MYTH!

Glad that you are moving in the right direction because folks here’s the fact: translation and localization are different. To reach a native audience is a crucial factor that can create a significant impact.

However, translation and localization are used for the same purpose but their approach towards the language is different.

Translation Vs Localization: Concept

The translation is the literal word-to-word transformation of a source text to the target text.

Localization is the linguistic adaptation according to the target region. With language, the cultural particularities are also focused to make the context understandable in the local language.

Translation Vs Localization: The Key Differences

The Language translation services is the common transformation from the source language to the target language. But it takes a lot more than a regular translation for the content to be accepted by the local audience. If you are opting for localization, you need to keep the local nuances in mind.

Although some examples can be used for both processes but for now, let’s take a look at some of the factors that distinguish them.

Symbolic meanings

The use of visuals like images, videos, colors, and even emojis, etc are particularly used and taken care of in the localization process.

For instance, the use of the color red in China is quite common, according to their culture the red color symbolizes strength.

Or if you want your food chain business to be successful then localize for the countries where pork is not allowed like Islamic countries.

Text length

You need to remember that translating content from English to any other language can increase the text length. It is one of the most common changes that you need to keep in mind. You may need to fit the word in the target language in a way that it will convey the same message. Sometimes the particular word’s equivalent word is not available in the target language

However, it is more common in localization when some specific instructions are passed to the translator.

Text alignment

There are a few languages that use right-to-left writing. For instance, you want to translate the content from English to Arabic then you must remember that Arabic is written from right to left while English begins with a left to right alignment.

The layout is more localized but this is common even in a regular translation process. However, in advertisements, this factor plays an important role in changing the layout of the print ads. So it is also localization-based.

Language specifics

Another important difference is that translation is a literal transformation. The need for jargon is almost non-existential as compared to localization.

For instance, the use of dialects, idioms, slang, etc is more commonly related to localization. They are interrelated to the cultural prospects. The translation is not as much affected by a dialect as much as localization is.

Regional specificity

Localization adapts the online content according to the regional specificity. The change of words, colors, clothing, cultural symbols, etc is part of the localization process.

You have to consider the regional factor in mind when localizing the content. When you are focusing on the specific region you will localize the content accordingly.

Cultural differences

The translation is neutral. The impact of cultural differences is not highly influential on this process. As we explained earlier, the regional specifications are directly involved in the localization process.

In certain cultures, you need to avoid the jargons, images, etc that might trigger an offensive repose from ethnic groups.

Technical aspects

Localization is not technical. The translation is a more reliable answer for the subjects like law, science, research, medicine, and finance, etc., localization focuses on emotional content but in technical aspects, translation is more effective.

If you want to produce a high level of content for the website localization services is an apt choice. But for a research article to be converted into the target language, translation is more appropriate.

The differences between translation and localization are prominent but you need the help of professional translators to make sure the content is translated according to the specifications. It’s always best to choose professional translation agencies with years of expertise under their belt who can produce quality content in any language.

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