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When building web applications, it's important to consider language and regional visibility, especially when targeting a specific or global audience.
Many websites support multiple languages. Some websites automatically change the language of text based on the user's region, allowing users to understand and view products or services. Some websites provide users with the option to switch to a different language.
Multilingual support is common with businesses that aim for global expansion. Developing software or applications that support multiple languages involves practices like Internationalization (i18n) and Localization(l10n).
While they serve different purposes, both help adapt products and services to various languages, regions, and cultural contexts.
Let’s examine how internationalization and localization are both important in product development.
What is Internationalization(i18n)?
Internationalization is the practice of designing and building products, applications, or systems that can adapt to different languages, regions, and cultures.
It enables your application to reach a global audience. For example, if your website was initially developed in English, internationalization ensures that someone who speaks Arabic can view the same content in their native language.
Internationalization is abbreviated as i18n because there are 18 letters between the "I" and "N".
Key concepts of internationalization include;
- Internationalization makes localization possible.
- Internationalization is the backbone of app translation.
- Things that are localised: text, images, currency, numbers, punctuation, special characters, and cultural contexts.
Internationalization best practices
Some best practices to ensure that internationalization serves cultural and regional users include:
Encoding (Character Encoding)
Character encoding converts characters like letters and symbols into a digital format that the computer can interpret and process.
A type of character encoding standard called Unicode supports over 150 writing systems and is the most widely used on the web.
An example of a character encoding standard is Unicode UTF-8, which represents characters from languages worldwide, including emojis, punctuation, special characters, and mathematical symbols.
Unicode provides a set of open-source libraries (International Components for Unicode) that help software in supporting internationalization and localization.
For example, ICU helps manage text in various languages and enables software development that can adapt to different locales and cultures.
Text Externalization
Text externalization involves separating user-facing text, like messages, from an application's source code. This simplifies translation and localization because the text that needs to be translated is in a separate file, allowing translators to focus on the necessary content only.
Additionally, updates can be done without altering the code base. It also supports scalability when expanding to new regions and translating to new languages
Locale Specific-Formats
International Component for Unicode (ICU) supports locale-specific formats, eliminating the need to hardcode formats for each country. This makes it easier to add new languages.
Locale-specific formats with text externalization ensure that the application reaches different regions, making it feel native and tailored specifically to users.
Different regions have distinct representations of date and time, currency, and numerical formats. Therefore, implementing locale-specific formats improves their experience.
Cultural Nuances
Several elements are central to cultures and traditions, should be considered during internationalization. For example, certain symbols, colours, or gender-specific representations may be sensitive or auspicious across cultures and should be respected or represented in design.
Considering these factors helps avoid confusion or offense and demonstrates that local users' experience and identity are valued.
Accessibility
Accessibility is essential for users with disabilities, and implementing features like screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and adherence to accessibility standards enhances inclusivity for all users.
Language Selection
Adding a selection option for users to switch between supported languages creates a user-friendly experience. This could be a dropdown menu, icons, or auto-detection features based on browser settings.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
There are legal requirements for different regions, and compliance regulations like content restrictions that must be followed to avoid legal issues or offenses.
Updates and Maintenance
Consistent updates and maintenance help ensure that new content features are available in every supported language. They also help prevent bugs that cause issues with internationalization.
Collaboration with Localization Teams
Collaboration between development teams and locals is necessary to ensure that localization is done correctly. For example, localization team can clarify cultural nuances and provide more context to cultural preferences.
Adaptable Architecture
Designing software for a global audience must support multiple languages, scripts, and regions, including handling locale-specific formats and localised content without compromising application performance.
A good practice is to load only the relevant files for each user to avoid overwhelming the application.
Right-to-Left Language Support
Some languages are written from right to left and from left to right. This is the direction in which text is read and written.
Left-to-Right (LTR) languages are those where the text starts on the left side and flows to the right. Examples include English, Spanish, German, and French.
Right-to-left (RTL) languages, on the other hand, start from the right and flow to the left. Examples include Farsi, Hebrew, Arabic, and Urdu.
While LTR languages are commonly supported, it is also important to consider RTL languages. Supporting RTL may require mirroring interface elements and adjusting text alignment to make visuals more appealing to users of RTL languages.
Text-Expansion
Text like German has longer words, and if layout isn't considered, it can disrupt UI elements or result in text overflow, which is why responsiveness must be taken seriously.
Challenges of Internationalization
Some challenges of internationalization include:
Implementing i18n in an existing app can be complex: Adjusting an existing application to support internationalization can be challenging. For example, developers may need to find and extract hardcoded texts, and UI layouts may need to be redesigned to handle local-specific formats.
Contextual translation: If translation isn't done properly, it can convey a different meaning. Some words have different meanings, and, without clear context, they can lead to inaccuracy. To prevent this, consider using tools with an in-context preview of translated text.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Countries have different privacy laws and content restrictions. Targeting a wide range of regions requires hiring people who understand these laws and regulatory standards.
Lack of Resources: Proper internationalization requires skilled personnel who can integrate encoding and locale-specific behaviour. However, not every team possesses these skills.
Additionally, many companies do not allocate a budget for internationalization at the beginning stage, which can become frustrating when they intend to scale. Also, if the right translation management platform isn't used, it can negatively impact user experience and affect global reach.
What is Localization l10n?
Localization is the process of adapting a product to meet the language, cultural, and regional requirements of a specific locale. This includes translating text, currencies, and modifying visual elements to reflect local customs and user preferences.
Localization is abbreviated as l10n because there are 10 letters between the letter “L” and “N”.
Key concepts of localization involve;
- Target-based content
- Cultural adaptation
- Locale product translation and testing.
Not everything can be localised because some cultural nuances can’t be translated for the sake of brand consistency. For example, brand names are usually in the original language to maintain brand identity.
Localization best practices
Several strategies can help businesses benefit from properly localizing products or services
Prioritizing target market and languages: Target markets have preferences for localized content. Some companies may leave documentation in English and focus on localizing core products and services that people pay attention to.
Create a similar customer experience for all your audience: Every customer must feel like the brand appreciates them. Therefore, it is essential to create a similar customer experience for users across all supported languages.
Create localised content: This should be top of mind at the initial stage of product design, so the application can easily adapt to different languages and cultural contexts.
Listen to the market: Working with the locals from sales or marketing to understand the market can guide your localization strategies.
Rely on Tech: Localization works best when the right technologies drive efficiencies and improve time to market. For example, using a cloud-based system to manage translation can speed up the localization process.
Why do we need Internationalization and Localization?
Internationalization and Localization are important for reasons including:
Global market footprint: i18n and l10n make products accessible to users in different regions, significantly increasing market reach and competitiveness.
Customer satisfaction: i18n and l10n improve customer satisfaction because users across regions can engage with content created in their native language and culture.
Sales growth: i18n and l10n drive sales growth because the ability to reach a wider audience can lead to higher conversion rates and revenue.
Avoid cultural conflicts: l10n ensures that content respects customs and values.
Reduce "Time to market" in new regions: i18n makes localization faster and easier when entering new areas or markets.
Challenges of Localization
Some challenges of localization include:
Translation Cost: Translation can be expensive because it may involve hiring native speakers or using localization tools that require a subscription or translation management systems. Also, time and budget for review and testing accuracy and performance can be expensive.
Cultural Nuance: Different regions and cultures have nuances like symbols, colors, idioms, and more. To reach these audiences, understanding and reflecting these elements in the application requires thorough research to avoid conflicts or offence.
Time and Resource: Localization is a continuous process. Hiring professionals and using quality localization tools like ICU may not guarantee contextual accuracy or understanding of certain cultural nuances. Also, ensuring rigorous testing to ensure there aren't issues and everything functions properly requires time and effort.
Summary
The goal of most businesses is to grow, which often involves reaching audiences in different regions and cultures. To achieve this, businesses must develop websites, software, or applications that are multilingual and accessible to a global audience.
Internationalization and localization make this possible by enabling products to adapt to various languages, cultures, and local preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Next.js and Nuxt.js handle internationalization and localization?
Both frameworks have solutions for internationalization (i18n) and localization (l10n). They offer plugins and modules that simplify the process of translating content and managing multilingual applications.
What role does cultural adaptation play in website localization?
Cultural adaptation involves adjusting content, visuals, and design elements to align with the cultural norms and preferences of a specific target market. It ensures that the website feels familiar, relatable, and respectful to users in different cultural contexts.
How does localization differ from translation in e-commerce?
While translation focuses on converting text from one language to another, localization goes beyond adapting content, design, and functionality to fit the cultural and linguistic nuances of a specific target audience. It ensures a seamless integration with local preferences, providing a more authentic user experience.
How does e-commerce website localization contribute to global growth?
E-commerce website localization contributes to global growth by enabling businesses to connect with diverse markets, build trust with local consumers, and foster meaningful connections. It ensures businesses speak the language of the customer, both literally and figuratively, paving the way for sustained success in the global marketplace.
Jessica Agorye is a developer based in Lagos, Nigeria. A witty creative with a love for life, she is dedicated to sharing insights and inspiring others through her writing. With over 5 years of writing experience, she believes that content is king.
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