Language internationalization, often abbreviated as i18n (where 18 stands for the number of letters between “I” and “N” in the word “internationalization”) refers to the process of adapting language and cultural aspects of a business or product to fit with an international audience.
The term is often used in a computer software setting where developers create ‘international’ digital products that adapt aspects such as the user interface (UI) or enable Unicode for multiple language/writing options.
Within a Language Services Providers (LSP) remit, internationalization is often a percussor to localization and translation, making these services faster, more efficient and cost-effective, allowing LSPs to use multilingual fonts, adapt writing/text direction, prepare hreflang tags, and so on.
I18n is often confused with localization and translation, yet they each have different functions and benefits.
There are a few myths and misconceptions associated with language internationalization that should be addressed to help avoid confusion and misunderstanding so we sort myth from reality below for you…
Myth 1 – Language Internationalization is only for big companies or global products
Reality – Language internationalization is not exclusive to large corporations or global products. Even if your target audience is within a specific region, considering i18n from the start can save time and resources in the long run. Internationalization sets the groundwork for other language services, languages, cultures and regions, saving you time and money over the long term.
Myth 2 – It’s just about translating text
Reality – While translation is a crucial aspect, i18n involves more than just swapping text. It includes adapting date and time formats, number formats, addressing cultural nuances, adjusting layouts for different languages, and considering factors like pluralization rules. Internationalization allows for faster adaption in multiple language options so your products can be marketed more effectively and quickly.
Myth 3 – Language Internationalization can be added as an afterthought
Reality – It’s much more effective to design software with internationalization in mind from the beginning. Retrofitting i18n into an existing system can be challenging and time-consuming. Consideration should be given to the design and structure of the code, as well as user interface elements.
Myth 4 – English is enough because everyone understands it
Reality – While English is widely used, not everyone is comfortable or proficient in it. Adapting your software for other languages can greatly enhance user experience and broaden your user base. Additionally, some regions may have legal or regulatory requirements that necessitate support for the local language.
Myth 5 – Automated translation tools can handle everything
Reality – Automated translation tools can be helpful, but they are not foolproof. They may not capture the nuances of a language or culture accurately. Human involvement is often necessary, especially for important and context-sensitive content.
Myth 6 – Language Internationalization is only about text
Reality – Images, icons, and other graphical elements may also need to be localized. Cultural differences can influence the interpretation of visuals, so it’s essential to consider these aspects in the internationalization process.
Myth 7 – It’s a one-time effort
Reality – Languages evolve, and new features or content may be added to your software. Ongoing maintenance and updates for internationalization are necessary to keep the application relevant and usable for diverse audiences.
If you’re considering internationalization for your business, and would like more information, please contact the team at Creative Word and we’ll be happy to help.
