What exactly is localization? “What exactly is localization and why is it so important today?” is a question worth asking in a globalized world where the internet and social media are bringing us all closer together. It is not only important that your product is available in several languages. It should also be correctly adapted to the target culture. The following article aims to provide information on the concept of localization and the benefits of localizing a product. The industry is relatively young. According to seasoned localization experts O’Hagan and Mangiron, the term was first used by software developers during the late 1980s. This was a time when companies found out that taking their product overseas was advantageous overall. The term “localization” refers to the process of adding and adapting cultural and linguistic elements that are foreign to the original product so that it is received positively in a foreign market. The term is commonly abbreviated to “l10n”. What is the difference between localization and translation? At first glance, you might think that localization is just another way of saying translation. However, this misconception is on the same level as thinking that translation is a simple language conversion, rather than a complex process that often involves technical terminology and attention to detail. In this sense, while translation involves the conversion of a text and its terms from one language to another, localization focuses more on the target culture of the product and its linguistic particularities. Ultimately, the main aim is to reach a wider market overall. For example, if you want your product to resonate with someone in the...
Discover Ramadan, the holy month of Islam Ramadan, the holy month of Islam and the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is celebrated worldwide. This year’s Ramadan began on Friday, February 28, 2025 and lasts until Saturday, March 29, 2025. But what do you know about this holiday? If you want to know more, read on! What is Ramadan, the holy month of Islam? Ramadan is considered the holy month of Islam because it is believed that the Quran was revealed during this time. Indeed, God revealed the holy book of Islam in Arabic to the Prophet Muhammad as a guide. To celebrate and commemorate this meaningful event, Muslims all over the world fast from dawn to sunset for a month. However, for Muslims, the holy month of Ramadan is not just about fasting: it’s about a spiritual reset! The rules of Ramadan, the holy month of Islam Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan according to the following rules: Fasting and not drinking from dawn to sunset, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Praying the five usual mandatory prayers as well as nightly prayers known as Taraweeh. Strengthening one’s connection to God, especially by reading the Quran. Being charitable and generous to others. In fact, giving – known as Zakat – is mandatory and another of the five pillars of Islam. Showing forgiveness and mercy to everyone. Being patient, self-disciplined and humble. Spending time with fellow Muslims by praying and eating together. Celebrating Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. A global holiday More than 1.8...
The perception of video captioning on social media If you’re scrolling through your phone and watching reels without sound, you can still follow along because most creators include captions. Audio is rarely essential for audiovisual content. Nowadays, every video on Instagram, TikTok, or even on YouTube reels has captions incorporated. Captions can be translated using the same automatic transcription and translation that we see on YouTube videos. But translations or transcriptions are not always accurate! This can happen if the video lacks clear audio. Even when the audio quality is good, the transcription may struggle to match the sentence structure, so humour may be lost in the literal translation. However, users can make small manual adjustments if needed. Cross-cultural communication at hand Captions can help bridge language barriers, allowing non-native speakers to understand sociological discussions and research findings. A great expert on media communication, Richard Grusin affirmed that media technologies construct and mediate experiences, leading to a new reconfiguration of how we understand certain concepts. Read The Future of Translation: Bridging Tradition and Innovation to learn how technology is leading to changes in the translation industry. Many applications offer the possibility of adding captions to videos (CAPCUT or iMovie for iOS) instantly, even in real time while the speaker is speaking. The creator will spend more time thinking about what to say rather than editing the video because these applications simplify many of the processes. This is a more efficient way of working because you only need to fine-tune the video script that has already been translated. Adding captions to reels as a means of accessibility and awareness Why add...
Building Your Foundation to Start a Translation Business Are you passionate about languages and eager to turn your skills into a thriving enterprise? Learning how to start a translation business can be an exciting and rewarding venture. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to starting and growing a profitable translation business, even if you’re new to the world of entrepreneurship or translation. How to Start a Translation Business: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Success and Profitability Educational background for your translation business While formal education isn’t always mandatory, a strong educational background can give you a significant advantage when starting a translation business. Consider the following: Bachelor’s degree in linguistics, foreign languages, or translation studies Master’s degree in translation or interpreting Certification from professional translation organizations Remember, continuous learning is key in this ever-evolving field. Stay abreast of language trends and industry developments to maintain your competitive edge as you start and grow your translation business. Developing business acumen To run a successful translation business, you’ll need more than just language skills. Here’s how you can build your business skills: Take online courses in business management and entrepreneurship Attend marketing and finance workshops for small businesses Join local business networking groups to learn from experienced entrepreneurs Invest time in an internship with a translation company. Therefore, these skills will be crucial as you start a translation business and work towards profitability. Launching your translation business If you want to stand out in a crowded market when starting a translation business, consider specializing in a specific area: Identifying your niche To stand out in the crowded market when...
Day of the Dead and Mexico’s festivities Mexico has many annual celebrations, but one of the most iconic is the Day of the Dead. Along with the Day of the Dead and its various festivals and carnivals, the country has several other great celebrations, each with its own unique quirks and fun things to do! Almost all of the country’s national holidays are designed as an opportunity to remember Mexico’s heritage and enjoy its culture. For example, the February carnivals in cities such as Veracruz, Ciudad de México and Mérida celebrate Mexico’s religious and indigenous heritage. Of course, some are more serious and celebrate important political events, such as Mexico’s Independence Day on 16 September. The Day of the Dead could be seen as something in between: remembering our deceased family members is serious, yes, but why not celebrate their lives instead of mourning their deaths? What is Day of the Dead all about? The Day of the Dead tradition blends Mesoamerican rituals with some elements of European religions and dates back 3,000 years. The Aztec and Nahua people believed that death was as important as life because they saw the universe as a cycle of birth and death of all things. So instead of seeing death as the end, they saw it as another step on the journey. In the myth of the Day of the Dead, a person travels to Chicunamictlán, or the Land of the Dead, where they die. The soul’s goal is to reach its final resting place, known as Mictlán. The festival takes place every year between 31 October and 2 November. According to...
The USA: A place for everyone | Discover the languages spoken in the USA The USA has always been known for its diversity. Many languages are spoken in the USA. More than three billion people call the United States of America home. Due to its diverse population before British colonization and several waves of immigration, you can find almost every language and cultural background in the US population. The USA has been multilingual since the very beginning. Many languages were spoken in the USA, even before the first settlers set foot on its soil. Tribes, such as the Navajos, Sioux and Keresan spoke over a thousand known languages before first contact with Europeans. Evolution of the English language in the USA When considering why and how a language develops, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is culture. It is said that the influence of foreign languages spoken in the USA is much more immediate and recent than in any other country. The English language has developed a lot in the USA. For example, some terms have been taken from the languages of the native tribes, such as the word “raccoon”, which was taken from the Powhatan term aroughcun, meaning “animal that scratches with its hands”. You can easily find examples of words being coined from many other languages! Other well-known examples are avocado and canyon from Spanish, and chowder and prairie from French. How many languages are spoken in the USA? With so many cultures co-existing, you may be wondering: How many languages do I need to learn to get around the country? Just...
