Knowledge · Definitions
What is Localisation?
Localisation involves adapting a product or piece of content to the language, culture and technical conventions of a target market, which goes beyond simple translation.
Localisation: the definition
Localisation (English localization, short for L10n) involves adapting a product, software, website or piece of content to a specific target market (Locale), including its language and cultural, technical and legal conventions. Translating the text is only one part of localisation.
Translation, localisation, internationalisation: the distinction
Translation
Transferring text from one language to another; the linguistic core.
Localisation (L10n)
Includes translation plus adaptation to the culture, formats, technology and law of the target country.
Internationalisation (i18n)
The technical preparation that enables a product to be localised without rework. It comes before localisation.
What gets localised?
Beyond language: what gets adapted
- date, time, currency and units of measurement
- number and address formats
- writing direction and character sets (Latin, Cyrillic, Asian, Middle Eastern)
- colours, symbols and visual language with their cultural meaning
- legal and regulatory requirements of the target country
Localisation from a single source
We translate and adapt software, websites, documentation and media while staying true to the character of the original.
Localisation at COMLOGOS
Localisation at COMLOGOS includes translation according to ISO 17100 processes (certified), consistent terminology and a final check by a native speaker. Depending on the content, our services can be combined: Software Localisation for interfaces and strings foreign-language typesetting and desktop publishing (DTP) for layout and media as well as SEO translations for websites with international visibility.
Technologies used
Frequently asked questions about localisation
What is the difference between translation and localisation?
Translation involves transferring text from one language to another. Localisation goes further by adapting culture, formats (date, currency and units of measurement), technology and legal requirements to the target market Therefore, translation is one part of localisation.
What does internationalisation (i18n) mean?
It is the technical preparation of a product or software so that it can be localised for various markets without the need for further work. This can be achieved by separating code from text, supporting Unicode and using flexible layouts, for example. Internationalisation precedes localisation.
What do the abbreviations i18n and l10n stand for?
They're shorthand based on letter count: 'Internationalisation' has 18 letters between the 'i' and the 'n' (i18n), and 'localisation' has 10 letters between the 'l' and the 'n' (l10n).
What gets adapted in a localisation besides language?
This includes, among other things, the date, time, currency and units of measurement, number and address formats, writing direction and character sets, colours, symbols and the legal requirements of the target country.
What is typically localised?
Mainly software and user interfaces, websites and online shops, technical documentation, and marketing and media content, including subtitling.
Request a project & receive expert advice
Want to have software, a website or documentation localised? Send us 1–2 sample files. You will receive a specific recommendation and a quote within 24 hours.
