Translation and localization are crucial processes for companies looking to expand their products or services into different markets.
However, for those new to this field, the terminology used in localization can be confusing.
In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive glossary of translation and localization terms, including important acronyms, abbreviations, and phrases in the world of localization.
Translation
The process of converting written or spoken language from one language to another.
Localization
The process of adapting content to a specific locale or market, taking into account cultural, linguistic, and other differences.
Source language
The language from which the content is being translated or localized.
Target language
The language into which the content is being translated or localized.
CAT tool (Computer-Assisted Translation tool)
Software used to aid the translation process, including translation memory, glossaries, and terminology management tools.
Translation Memory (TM)
A database that stores previously translated content to help translators re-use and maintain consistency in their translations.
Glossary
A list of terms and their definitions, used to ensure consistency in translations.
Terminology
The specific vocabulary used in a particular field or industry.
Localization Kit
A package of files, resources, and instructions provided by a company to aid in the localization process.
Linguistic Testing
The process of testing translated content to ensure accuracy, fluency, and cultural appropriateness.
Internationalization (i18n)
The process of designing and developing products or services that can be easily adapted for different markets and cultures.
Globalization (g11n)
The process of making products or services available to a global market.
Transcreation
The process of recreating content in a new language and culture, often used for marketing and advertising content.
Machine Translation (MT)
The use of software to automatically translate content from one language to another.
Post-editing
The process of reviewing and correcting machine-translated content.
Localization Engineering
The technical process of adapting software, websites, or other digital content to a specific market or culture.
L10n (Localization)
An abbreviation for Localization, using the number “10” to represent the 10 letters between the “L” and the “n”.
TEP (Translation, Editing, and Proofreading)
A three-step process used to ensure accuracy and quality in translated content.
DTP (Desktop Publishing)
The process of formatting and arranging text and images for print or digital media.
RTL (Right-to-Left)
A writing system used in languages such as Arabic and Hebrew, where text is written from right to left.
LTR (Left-to-Right)
A writing system used in languages such as English and French, where text is written from left to right.
Unicode
A universal character encoding system that allows different languages and scripts to be represented in digital form.
ISO
The International Organization for Standardization, which sets global standards for various industries, including localization.
LISA (Localization Industry Standards Association)
A professional organization focused on promoting best practices and standards in the localization industry.
TMX (Translation Memory eXchange)
A standard format for exchanging translation memory data between different CAT tools.
XLIFF (XML Localization Interchange File Format)
A standard format for exchanging localization data between different tools and systems.
GILT (Globalization, Internationalization, Localization, and Translation)
An acronym used to refer to the overall process of making products or services available to a global market.
I18N-ready (Internationalization-ready)
Products or services that have been designed and developed with internationalization in mind.
L10N-ready
Products, services, or content that have been designed and developed with localization in mind
Translation Proxy
A cloud-based translation platform that allows companies to quickly and easily localize their websites and digital content.
CAT (Computer-Aided Translation)
The use of software to assist translators in the translation process, including translation memory, terminology management, and machine translation.
QA (Quality Assurance)
The process of ensuring that translated content is accurate, consistent, and culturally appropriate.
Linguistic Sign-off
The process of approving translated content as accurate and culturally appropriate, usually by a native speaker or language expert.
MTPE (Machine Translation Post-Editing)
The process of reviewing and correcting machine-translated content to ensure accuracy and quality.
Linguistic Asset Management
The management of linguistic resources, including translation memory, glossaries, and terminology databases.
Source Content
The original content that is being translated or localized.
Target Content
The localized or translated content that is produced from the source content.
Language Service Provider (LSP)
A company that provides translation and localization services.
Translation Management System (TMS)
Software used to manage translation projects, including project management, vendor management, and reporting.
Globalization Management System (GMS)
Software used to manage global content and workflows, including internationalization, localization, and translation.
In-Country Review (ICR)
The process of having translated content reviewed by a native speaker or language expert in the target market.
Multilingual Desktop Publishing (MLDTP)
The process of formatting and arranging multilingual text and images for print or digital media.
Cultural Adaptation
The process of adapting content to the cultural norms and expectations of the target market.
Transcription
The process of converting audio or video content into written text.
Dubbing
The process of replacing the original audio in a video with a new audio track in a different language.
Subtitling
The process of adding translated text to a video, usually displayed at the bottom of the screen.
Voiceover
The process of adding a new audio track to a video, usually with a narrator speaking in a different language.
Localization Readiness Assessment
An evaluation of a company’s products, services, and processes to determine their readiness for localization.
Machine Translation Evaluation Metrics
Metrics used to evaluate the accuracy and quality of machine-translated content, including BLEU and TER.
Translation Memory Management
The process of maintaining and updating translation memory databases to ensure consistency and quality in translations.
A useful guide to lead your business decision-making
The terminology used in translation and localization can be overwhelming, but understanding these terms is essential for success in a global market.
This glossary provides a comprehensive overview of the most important terms and acronyms in the world of localization.
With this knowledge, companies can make informed decisions about their localization strategies and work effectively with their language service providers to achieve their globalization goals.
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