Internationalization and Localization
Internationalization and Localization are two interrelated processes that are essential for businesses, software development, and various other fields aiming to operate in multiple geographical and cultural regions. These practices ensure that products, services, or content are suitable for use by people from different cultural backgrounds and languages.
Internationalization
Internationalization (often abbreviated as i18n) refers to the design and development process that ensures a product can be easily adapted to various languages and regions without requiring engineering changes. This process involves creating software or content that can support multiple languages and cultural norms. The concept is crucial for companies seeking to expand their reach to international markets.
Internationalization is a critical step in globalization strategies, allowing products to be "world-ready." It involves making sure that the software is Unicode-compliant, supports various currency formats, and accommodates different date and time formats. This approach is also evident in the creation of internationalized domain names and email standards like email address internationalization.
In the context of higher education, the internationalization of higher education involves incorporating an international dimension into the teaching, research, and service functions of institutions.
Localization
Localization (often abbreviated as l10n) is the process of adapting internationalized products or content to a specific region or market. It is not only about translating text but also about considering local culture, customs, and legal requirements. This includes adjusting symbols, colors, and cultural references to fit local preferences.
Localization involves the translation of user interfaces, documentation, and marketing materials, and it may also include changes to product functionality to comply with local regulations or standards. The process ensures that the final product feels native to the target audience.
In software development, frameworks like the Internationalization Tag Set in XML documents help support localization efforts by providing necessary elements and attributes.
Simultaneous Localization and Mapping
A specialized concept within the broader scope of localization is Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), which is used in robotics to create maps of unknown environments while simultaneously tracking the robot's location.
Interrelation of Internationalization and Localization
Internationalization and localization are often collectively referred to by the acronym G11n, standing for globalization, as they are integral to any globalization strategy. Internationalization lays the groundwork for multiple localizations, enabling efficient and effective adaptation of a product to various locales. Together, they allow businesses to enter and thrive in new markets by providing culturally and linguistically appropriate products.