The Only App Localization Tutorial You Will Ever Need

​The Only App Localization Tutorial You Will Ever Need
example, the German word commonly used for “Redo” (as in “reverse an undo command”) is
“Wiederherstellen” with four times as many characters, and might not fit on a button.
Starting The Translation
If translators work only on the separate files of content, outside the context of the app, it will
often be important to provide them with additional information. For example, a button or a
menu item labeled “Fly” in English could have different meanings (“fly” as a noun, “fly” as a
verb.) Different meanings may mean different translations, so an explanation about context and
meaning must be supplied to make sure the translator makes the right translation. It also
makes sense to provide a creative brief for translators with information about your app, its
purpose, and its target market. In parallel, this is the chance to specify how you want them to
blend aspects like style and “voice” into the localized texts.
Translation And Automation
Automated translation of text is still not good enough to be used “as is” for most localizations.
Problems in translating the meaning of text or grammatical errors will be painfully obvious to
your native speaker end users. They may then make their opinions known via social networking
or similar, denting the reputation of your app. Professional human translators will still be part of
the process, for the moment.
On the other hand, automation of the process of translation can make localization more
efficient and improve quality, especially as apps and localizations multiply.
● Translation management systems. Instead of managing localizations with spreadsheets,
an ​online TMS can help to better track translation projects and to manage deadlines. A
good TMS will also offer intuitive dashboards for at-a-glance views of progress, and
permission management to allow team members to access different parts or different
levels of the system.
● Localization API. Translators and developers can post and receive translations
programmatically, automating hand-offs and syncing with daily app development
activities and systems.
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