The translation (or location) of software is considered a type of Technical translation. This is so because this translation discipline faces very specific and complex languages, also called jargon. Software translation works with very specific computer languages that not everyone understands and knows.
For this reason, it is necessary that the professional in charge of this kind of work has a deep knowledge of these languages. The fundamental thing for a good software translation will therefore be the experience of the translator in these very specific matters.
Location More than translation
The software is made up of all the intangible components of a computer, that is, all the programs and procedures necessary to make the performance of a specific task viable.
Generally, in the sector there is not talk of software translation, but of “software location”. The difference between one thing and another is small, although substantial. The location is not only limited to the literal translation of messages from a language to another, but also attends to the components cultural that surround each language.
In addition to well translated, computer messages must be well adapted to each culture. It is this work of cultural adaptation what is called as
“location”. A localized translation will significantly improve the user experience with the computer program in question, the APP or the video game.
What do you usually work with in software translation?
Within the world of computing, documents and programs that demand to be translated are continually being generated. As a general rule, all of these texts, documents, files and web pages They are initially made in English, and it is from this language from where it is later translated into other languages such as the Spanish, the Chinese or the French.
But software translation and localization does not only imply the translation of the software itself, but also includes other tasks and procedures such as the translation of dialogs, user manuals, menus and error messages or the translation of the graphical interface that the user sees when using a program or a app for mobile.
For this reason, the professional translators of software must be familiar with the terminology of the different operating systems most common in the computer industry, be it Mac, Windows, Linux or Android (the latter when we talk about mobile phones).
Difficulties and advantages of software localization
Ensuring that the code remains intact is one of the biggest complications that comes with translation and localization of software. To make this happen, it is advisable to extract all the translatable content before starting the tasks of translation and location,
Carrying out this simple gesture we will avoid involuntarily modifying the code, something that would be fatal for the proper functioning of the program. In any case, and especially to avoid these mishaps, it can be very useful for the translator to be familiar with certain basic notions of programming, just to prevent symbols or signs that spoil the code.
Finally, in this post we wanted to bring together a series of advantages that has the translation and localization of software, advantages that are often overlooked:
1. Increase in market share: More localized versions of your program, online web, app or video game will mean more potential customers, which will make your company expand to new countries and cultures.
2. A better understanding of your product: That users can understand in depth the functionalities of the software service you offer will help them to use the product correctly, that they extract all their possibilities from it. With a well translated and localized program or application, the user experience will be especially satisfactory and fruitful.
3. Better customer experience, less technical support costs: If users understand the software or program by using the instructions and manuals included in it, they will not be in the situation of having to go to the technical support service, something that always ends up generating heaviness and dissatisfaction.
