Software Internationalization Guide

Understanding Internationalization Concepts

Software Internationalization Guide—526225-002

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What Is Localization?

Localization is the process of adapting an application to the accepted way of

presenting information in a particular culture. For an internationalized program to

support a variety of languages, cultures, and code sets, the data of the source country

must be transformed into data that is appropriate for the target cultures. Successful

localization makes an application look as if it were designed and developed specifically

for the language, culture, and code set in which it is used.

For example, an internationalized program originally developed for French users must

be localized if the program is also intended for users who do not understand the

French language and culture. Localizing a product includes translating text, adapting

the application to cultural conventions and preferences, and possibly converting code

sets.

Figure 1-2 shows an internationalized software product that was developed in English

and then localized to support French, German, and Spanish locales.

Localization is more than simply translating text, because more than language is

involved in adapting a product to a local culture. Colors, icons, gender references,

Figure 1-2. Localization of an Internationalized Software Product

Program Function

Cultural Data

English Data

Internationalized Software Product

Localization

French Data

German Data

Spanish Data

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