Nowadays, information exchange must be easy, fast and accessible for everyone. In order to be accessible for all, information should be localized to meet the specific needs of each target group. At this point, the term of localization needs to be analysed.
Localization can be described as transferring and adapting information from one language to another. Sometimes localization can be part of the launching of catalogues, websites and videogames on foreign markets.
As it seems localization is a useful tool for companies, which want to launch their new services or products, as in that way they can attract more future clients and increase their sales. What is the difference between translation and localization, though?
Localizing a company’s material is a step further than “just” translating it. These two terms are connected, as translation is a step of localization. Localization can be characterized as a holistic approach for cases such as launching a videogame on a specific target group.
Tasks of localization can be undertaken by professional translators (aka localizers), who master the use of CAT tools. The combination of technical know-how, target group’s culture and target language are the three key qualifications that the potential language service provider must have.