Localization Steps of Mobile Applications

Application localization is mainly the process of adapting the interface and content of a mobile application to the target culture by considering all elements of the culture and language in question.

Since the main goal of application developers and marketers is to produce and create “preferable” software, localization is indispensable for the globalization of an application. With the rise in the value of the application sector up to 189 billion dollars, almost all the agents in the localization industry have started to involve in the process.

When translating an application, it will not be enough to simply translate texts from one language to another, localization is required to meet the demands and expectations of the target group. In order to achieve it, one must consider every element that varies from society to society such as images, content, promotion of the application, age range, or compliance with laws and regulations.

How mobile application localization should be practiced?

It is necessary to specify on which operating system (IOS, Android, etc.) the application will run, and to determine the number of people in the target culture who use their phones on the relevant operating system. If there is data regarding the download rate of the application, these also should be taken into account in the process.

Localization helps an app user to perceive it as if it was designed in their own culture. The localization elements may vary depending on the habits of people living in the target market. Hence, it will not be practical to choose the language, in which the localization process will be held, only based on the number of speakers of that language. For instance, when localizing an application that involves certain sport elements, highlighting the favorite sports of people in countries where the target language is spoken may lead to higher attention.  In short, it is necessary to determine the demands of the target group and draw the boundaries.

Choosing “the one for this task”. It is best to work with translators who are experts on the target culture. However, this element alone is not enough. The translator should also be interested and experienced in the subject of the application that will be localized. They are the “mediators” between the developer (employer) and the target culture. For this to happen, it is important to establish a close bond between the developers and the actors involved in the localization process.