At Applied Language we have localized software for some of the
world's biggest companies including Sony, BAE Systems and
Caterpillar.
Localization, which is sometimes referred to as L10N (L 10 N)
for short, transforms the software's locale, interface and support
documentation to a target language, according to its cultural
context and business practices, while keeping the look and feel of
the localised software identical to the parent software.
Any localization project we take on will be handled by
experienced project managers and skilled linguists with the
relevant specialist knowledge and technical ability. We can handle
various types of localizations, whether they're desktop or web
based, device or hardware, or open source or proprietary.
We'll start a project once the mainstream product is almost
complete so that core functional issues have been resolved, and we
follow a clear, stepped process as follows:
Preparation of the source material as a localization kit
Source materials (software, online help and other
documentation) will be made available by the software developers as
a localization kit. If appropriate, previous translations,
glossaries and translation memories may also be provided to ensure
consistency between the current project and any previous
translation work.
Analysis of the source material
Analysing source material will provide our team of project
managers, file engineers and DTP experts with the information they
need to produce detailed schedules and budgets, identify any
obstacles and select suitable tools and methods to overcome
them.
Preparation of terminology
A multilingual project glossary or terminology database of terms
from the user interface and support documentation will be produced,
to identify terms which don't need to be localized (e.g. product
and brand names). We will also create a style guide which will
assist the translators with the tone and context of the material to
be translated, so that it retains the 'feel' of your organization
in other languages.
Preparation of translation kit
Following analysis of the source material, we'll prepare a
translation kit and procedural guide for the translators to follow
and we'll examine any existing translations to see how these
might be reused to save translation resources, and reduce the cost
of your project.
Translation of the software
The next stage is the translation of the user interface of the
software including dialog boxes, menus and any other text strings.
The translation of the interface always precedes the translation of
online help and other supporting documentation. This helps maintain
consistency and ensures that screen shots and other examples remain
relevant.
Engineering the localised version
Once the resource files containing elements of the user
interface have been translated, appropriate shortcut keys can be
assigned and dialog boxes and menus can be resized as necessary.
The software can then be compiled to create an executable
version.
Testing the localised Version
Following compilation, the translations in the localized
software can be validated in context. We can also carry out
functionality testing at this stage if required. The localised
version of the software will then be sent to your software
developers for acceptance testing.
Translation of online help and documentation
Screen shots are often used to illustrate online help and other
documentation, so localized screen shots are required for each
target language. Once a compiled version of the localized software
is available and the terminology used in the user interface has
been frozen, work can begin to create screen shots.
Product QA and Project Delivery
Before final delivery, we will always perform a QA check on the
localized files. This might include proofreading all translations,
a delivery test of the software, completion of bug and problem
reports and a review of the initial agreement with the software
developers, to ensure that all steps have been covered. Once
the QA test is complete, all files will be delivered back to you,
ready for use.
Not answered all of your questions?
Why not call a member of the team on +44(0)845 367 7000
from the UK or +1 (800) 579 5010 from the US. Alternatively
email enquiries@appliedlanguage.com
and a member of our localization team will be happy to explain any
aspect of this service in more detail.