- From: Richard Ishida <ishida@w3.org>
- Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2005 09:05:05 +0100
- To: "GEO" <public-i18n-geo@w3.org>, <public-i18n-core@w3.org>, <public-i18n-its@w3.org>
Here is a proposed definition of localization. Since we seem to have agreement on this definition from people who have seen it before, I would ask you to hopeful just endorse it and only comment if there is a serious problem. Localization: Localization (often written as "l10n", where 10 is the number of letters between 'l' and 'n') refers to the *adaptation* of a product, application or document content to meet the language, cultural and other requirements of a specific target market (a "locale"). Often thought of only as a synonym for translation of the user interface and documentation, localization is often a substantially more complex issue. It can entail customization related to: * Numeric, date and time formats * Use of currency * Keyboard usage * Collation and sorting * Symbols, icons and colors * Text and graphics containing references to objects, actions or ideas which, in a given culture, may be subject to misinterpretation or viewed as insensitive. * Varying legal requirements * and many more things. Localization may even necessitate a comprehensive rethinking of logic, visual design, or presentation if the way of doing business (eg., accounting) or the accepted paradigm for learning (eg., focus on individual vs. group) in a given locale differs substantially from the originating culture. RI ============ Richard Ishida W3C contact info: http://www.w3.org/People/Ishida/ W3C Internationalization: http://www.w3.org/International/ Publication blog: http://people.w3.org/rishida/blog/
Received on Monday, 19 September 2005 08:05:21 UTC