LOCALISATION: you have probably heard of it but… do you know what it means?

WHAT IS IT?

Localisation in translation, or l10n, as it is known in the sector, is the process of translation, adaptation and adjustment of the texts we find in videogames, websites, blogs and many other products. It is an activity that forms part of translation, but goes beyond it. The characteristics of each project or the use of an information support platform will specify their own guidelines, in addition to adapting to the target culture that must be taken account of. Our aim as language professionals is to adapt content to the new target market and thus guarantee a positive experience for the user from a linguistic point of view.

HOW IS LOCALISATION DIFFERENT TO TRANSLATION?

While translation focusses on expressing in another language what has been written in the source language, in a global sense, localisation is the mix of different processes among which translation can be found. In other words, translation is part of localisation, and it acts as a bridge between the different cultures that will receive the same product.

WHY CARRY OUT LOCALISATION?

Localisation is a tool that enables you to reach the public and markets of each country, thereby enabling the dissemination of content and expansion of trade world-wide by adapting the message and product to each area of distribution.

LOCALISATION IN VIDEO GAMES

This “section” includes both video games and applications or any other digital product, since the objective is to adapt this product to a new market which is different to the one where it was designed.

Focussing on video games, the objective is not to simply translate the menu part, the dialogue of the characters or simply the text that appears on the screen, but to make it comprehensible and for it to reach every fan throughout the world, as each country and each culture is different and they have different requirements.

When it comes to deciding to localise a video game, you have to consider the most important aspects of localisation in this sector:

Technical localisation (adaptation of the software and programming)
Cultural and linguistic localisation (translation/adaptation of title, names, instructions, etc.)

For this latter aspect you need to take into account that, when it comes to commissioning localisation, the video game must be “shown” to the translator. The translator should be provided with the context, the specific space and a specific glossary, if available. Required guidelines and instructions should be created and provided by the client in order to achieve the best results and so that the localisation has the desired success. This process is because the world of video games is a “kingdom” which has its own rules. The creators who design a video game have clear ideas about what they have imagined and how they want it to be conveyed. For this imagination to be conveyed into another language, this scenario needs to be shared with the translators who will help to make it reach other countries and new users in the best way by providing the required subtleties of linguistic localisation.

At Big Translation we work with native translators who have experience in the sector and who can offer the best service.

If you need further information or a quote for your project, contact us without any obligation; we will offer you a personalised service.