Translation and localization are the tools that help in business expansion. As the world has become a global marketplace now making these tools an essential part of the process. All the businesses which want to extend their branches to new markets and places have to undergo the processes of translation and localization. However, it doesn’t make them the same, and there are differences between both. These are used in interchangeable formats.
Translation
Translation deals with the conversion of the text from one language to another to reserving the same meaning. It further helps convey the same message in different languages. These are the languages that relate to the target audiences. The process of translation is incomplete without considering the context of the text. The context helps with clarity and avoiding offensive terms.
Localization
On the contrary, localization helps with the changing of the text. The process of localization requires changing the source content according to new audiences and cultures. This tells that other than text you will have to change the visuals, audio, and other multi-media files to get fit in with the new audience and people. Even famous multinational food chains and beverages such as Coco-Cola had to localize for the Chinese audiences and for that Chinese translation services are the first and foremost step as Chinese is one of the most spoken languages of the world. So with localization, you recreate a message in a new language as per the preferences and social norms of a new audience.
Differences Between Translation and Localization
Neutrality and focus on cultural aspects
The cultural values get different perspectives in translation and localization. The website translation is mostly neutral. As for localization, the culture holds more significance. Whereas translation keeps its focus on getting the exact message across different audiences and it further doesn’t consider it much as long as the context is given proper attention.
However, the process of localization goes beyond language. It has a great focus on the target market and its cultural differences as well as cultural expectations. This is also because the localized content gets modified and adapted with the understanding of the new culture. If things are prepared for the Japanese audiences, the first step is to understand the language, content, and culture and it is only possible without hiring professional translation services. Content should be adapted as per the market trends of Japan. Localization services greatly vary with the target market and also consider language, slang, etiquette, and humor.
Technical and Emotive content
Translation addresses the need of passing technical information across different languages. This also means that the information has to be accurate and correct in the language in which it is being translated. However, when it comes to localization, this requires reaching out to people and creating a cordial connection with them.
Most people who speak more than one language, prefer to consume information in their native language which is official in their country. Let’s take an example of a Chinese person who is proficient in English too, yet he will prefer a Chinese website to browse through even if he has a perfect knowledge of the English language. Therefore, businesses that want to tap the Chinese market have to acquire both standard and Chinese traditional translation services to meet their language needs as they understand how people prefer their native language only.
Localization deals with the transformation of content into multiple forms which are more relatable to the target audience. If it is about Chinese or Japanese people professional Japanese translation services are the first step toward effective localization.
Focus on language Vs regional intricacies
As we all know that how translation is more about the language and its nuances. It bridges the gap of language barriers. It gets a better reach and fetches more audiences to understand the information in a proper context. Translation further assures that the syntax has no errors and these can change the meaning disturbing the whole narrative.
As for localization as the word ‘locale’ suggests it is more about the particular regions. A lot of celebrated brands had to localize themselves as per the requirements of the new regions. It is because the translation alone could not have conveyed the result. The people of Malaysia and the surrounding who speak Malay would only prefer the products whose details are available in the Malay language. For that, the companies then have to for Malay translation services so that localization could be carried out in a more significant manner.
Also, professional Malay translation services should be required from the native speakers so that there are no issues in the languages and it can further lead to effective translation services.
Final words
Translation and localization sound similar but have a lot of differences. Translation deals with text conversion from source to target language whereas localization is about the adaption and modification of multimedia factors according to the target audience. Also, translation focuses more on language and localization is about adapting to regional changes.
