Your Guide to Software Localization Best Practices
Yes, it has by now evolved into a self-evident truth. A global-minded software business can’t deliver software products for overseas markets without software localization services. Software developers have to work hard on translating their products into the multiple languages of their target audiences in their target markets.
However, smart software developers have learned the hard way to not allow the initial enthusiasm of the decision to adapt their software for global audiences to veil the hard work that should accompany it. That’s why developers should apply software localization best practices.
Okay, but what on earth are these practices?
Best Practices for Software Localization Services
Yes, localizing a software product can be a very tough job. However, it can be much easier if you adhere to the following best practices and top that aim to make the whole process easier and more efficient. Let’s dive deeper.
1-Planning is essential
Don’t do it hurriedly as a last-minute task. Rather, you need to carefully plan the entire software development process, including the phases of translation, testing, to finally produce a quality product.
2-Start with separating text from code
This is both basic and crucial. If you do this, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle and problems that would create havoc for your product.
3-Take Dialects into Account
Yes, you might be translating your software into a single language. Yet, you have to pay attention to dialects. For example, if you are localizing your software into Arabic, you need to know if the audience speaks the dialect of Egypt, Iraq, or the Gulf. They’re so different that you need to take this into consideration from the very outset.
4-Leave space for text expansion and remember Bidirectional Languages
You need to leave plenty of space or program dynamic UI expansion into your software. Why? Because many languages take up to 30 % more space than English. What’s more, remember that such languages as Arabic, Farsi, and Hebrew read from right to left. So, for these right-to-left products, you may have to build a completely new set of style sheets when you have fixed positioning layouts.
5-Test and repeat testing
You should test your localized software as meticulously and thoroughly as the original English software. In other words, don’t rest assured until you see the foreign language “in context” within your software. When it comes to software localization, repeated testing is a virtue!
6-Partner with the Expert!
After all is said and done, and due to all the difficulties and intricacies involved in the software localization process, it’s becoming a must for developers to choose a localization provider that they can rely on and trust. But, how will you choose the right one?
How to Choose a Reputable Software Localization Partner?
There are dozens of advantages if you, as a software developer, partner with a software localization expert who is responsible for adapting your product to the technical, linguistic, and cultural requirements of your multiple target audiences. One of the awesome benefits is they will professionally anticipate any language issues from the initial software development stages! So, what should you find in a software developer for you to settle on them?
First, you need to ensure that your partner has hands-on experience in the software localization business for years. Experience is paramount in this sort of partnership!
Second, you need to see that your partner’s localization process synchronizes with your development process and can easily be incorporated into your company’s workflows.
Third, and most importantly, your software developer should be able to show you that they have in place the expert team and the technology tools that would make it possible for them to meet your needs in terms of solutions, deadlines, and budget. confirm they can meet your deadlines and budget with integrated technology solutions and a team of in-country linguists to deliver quality translations.
Well done, so now you have the necessary knowledge and insight to choose the right partner. What then? Why would you choose AfroLingo in particular?
Why AfroLingo?
For 12 years, AfroLingo has been providing top-notch software developers in South Africa and elsewhere with software localization services that empower them to extend their footprint in South Africa, the African continent, and all over the world.
Over these years, we’ve achieved an impressive track record in having fast turnaround time and the most rigorous quality assurance system in the entire industry ─ supported by having achieved the ISO 171000 certification.
Last but not least, we take pride in our team of technical and linguistic experts that work to adapt your software product to resonate with your target audiences all over the world.
Contact us today for a free quote
