This has led to some discussion over the localization should be carried out and in particular, over the problem of translating strings which have a connotative meaning ion one language but not in another.
George Bekiaridis has reminded me of a text he wrote for a series of seminars on the use of ICT for learning in SMEs.
I have been doing a bit of work helping coordinate the translation of the different strings to allow language localized version of the ELGG learning landscapes software. This has led to some discussion over the localization should be carried out and in particular, over the problem of translating strings which have a connotative meaning ion one language but not in another.
George Bekiaridis has reminded me of a text he wrote for a series of seminars on the use of ICT for learning in SMEs. All the papers can be found here (curiously they are also available on a University of Stirling web site claiming copyright which they most certainly do not have). Rereading it, it seemed of some value - especially in the context that many more 'non techies' are increasingly involved in localization efforts for open source software. Nice one, George!
What is Localization?
Localization is the process of adapting a product or service to a particular language, culture, and desired local "look-and-feel." Ideally, a product or service is developed so that localization is relatively easy to achieve - for example, by creating technical illustrations for manuals in which the text can easily be changed to another language and allowing some expansion room for this purpose. This enabling process is termed internationalisation. An internationalised product or service is therefore easier to localize. The process of first enabling a product or service to be localized and then localizing it for different national audiences is sometimes known as globalisation.
In localizing a product, in addition to idiomatic language translation, such details as time zones, money, national holidays, local colour sensitivities, product or service names, gender roles, and geographic examples must all be considered. A successfully localized service or product is one that appears to have been developed within the local culture.
e-Learning Content and Software localization for a specific Country and a specific target group
Before stating localization of e-learning content and software we must exactly specify the following:
• Target country and market (ex. Greek Vocational Training Institutes)
• Target audience (ex. Trainees and trainers)
• Use of content and software (ex. Informal continues training, supportive training etc)
Localized content and software has to meet the specifications and objectives of context within will be deployed.
Technorati Tags: open source, localization
The Wales-Wide Web [ weblog-forums view ] back to weblog view
The Wales-Wide Web :: Graham Attwell on Learning, Knowledge and Technology
Localization of Open Source software
