Software localization involves much more than simply translating and localizing user screens. You also must ensure that all aspects associated with the site’s functions are properly translated and localized. In particular, the Help function needs to be understandable to the target audience. Read on to find out what that involves and why it’s so important.
The Software Localization Process
When you localize software, your goal is to make sure that people who not only speak another language, but also those who have a different culture, will understand the content and find it meaningful. To achieve this, you must change the words, time and date formats, colors, icons, units of measurement and currency, and more.
You also need to change the resource files, which feature dialogue boxes, menus, error messages and other data. Finally, any hidden text and compiler instructions must be addressed, to assure full functionality. As part of the resource files, the Help function will be addressed along with everything else. But the process doesn’t stop there.
Localizing the Components of the Help Function
Of course, translation is an important first step, to ensure your target audience can read the language and understand its meaning. However, for the full functionality to make sense within the audience’s culture, then imagery, colors, graphics, illustrations and even the font may need to be adjusted.
In many cases, the most basic software-related terminology differs between cultures, as do expectations of usability. Constructs, concepts and assumptions that we perceive as common sense in our native language and culture may have a counterintuitive or nonsensical meaning in other cultures.
Consequences of Not Localizing the Help Function
If you neglect to localize any facet this important feature, you risk alienating your target audience. At best, overseas market users will be unable to find the help they need, and at worst, the utility will be too confusing to use or provide the wrong answer to their question.
Definitions and terminology may have different meanings in a software application than they do in conversational language use. Functionality validation and testing are also necessary to ensure that proper functioning is maintained, and that the program works as well for the alternate audience as it does in the native language.
Clearly, thorough localization of any business artifact involves making sure important features, including the Help function and related resources, are easily understood by all of your target audience members. As part of our full suite of professional translation, localization and interpretation services, Verbatim Solutions can assist with this process. Contact us today to learn more about the software localization process.
