Mishaps that can occur while doing software translation

With localization and translation agencies rapidly expanding in the international markets, the time is not far away when the demand for localizing and translating software for a specific region would be made. Along with making you aware about the upcoming wave of translation services in software world we also have a list of mistakes that need to be avoided to ensure a foolproof translation process. A close look at some of these mistakes will prep you up for a successful software localization launch.

1)      No future planning

Not planning for certified localization and translation services while developing softwares would come as a huge backlash on businesses and will make them miss out on a huge opportunity, especially when the stats consider the global software companies to surpass the $500 billion by 2021. As for the beginners, it is advised to

Be clear with the target languages it is trying to reach along with the timeframe and deadlines. In addition, this also includes the ideals of managing the industry standards, cultural and language nuances, localized testing, and a marketing strategy for the target region. Furthermore, work closely with your language translation services in Delhi and around the world to determine the most cost effective way to achieve localization on-time.

2)      Context not suiting the content

Make it a point to clear the context of translation well with the translators before handing them the content files to avoid confusion and ensure quality software translation. Considering the fact that languages are often ambiguous, with same words having different meanings, context becomes even more crucial to keep the original meaning of the software intact. Avoid vague wording, and put context information directly into the source files along with providing the translation company that you hired with the style guides, glossaries, and alternative phrasing options.

3)      Focused only on language and not on its regional aspects

Another mistake that one can do is to focus only on the target language and not on its regional aspects. Since languages vary depending on the region in which they are spoken, it is necessary to provide a complete local taste to ensure a more relatable communication with the translation of your software. By doing precise research of your audience’s language taste you can easily avoid the language mishaps that occur as a result of different spellings, alternate formats, and other unique issues between two areas that have the same language.

4)      Text space assumptions gone wrong

When text strings get translated into other languages they usually contract or expand and not remain in the same size. This is because punctuations, word and sentence lengths differ from language to language. While, there are languages that require 30 percent less space than English, there are more languages that can require 60 per cent additional space like Finnish.  Therefore, it is important to allow text expansion, contraction and breathing space when designing the software.