Localization
As many cultures as countries.
The global market is the sum total of the local markets. The multinational companies must comply with specific regulations in every single local market, besides having to deal with language, cultural and religious diversities, as well as with local legislation.
Keeping to the rules of L10n (localization) when translating into the target language is at least as strict a criterion, as adhering to the directives of i18n when preparing the source language documentation.
Whereas i18n aims at the drawing up of a culturally neutral source text, the goal of localization is exactly the opposite: in the course of translation, the text is adapted to the target language, the cultural environment and the customs of the target country. The appropriately localized software or document is a little like a tailor-made suit. It fits perfectly.
Keeping to the rules of L10n (localization) when translating into the target language is at least as strict a criterion, as adhering to the directives of i18n when preparing the source language documentation.
Whereas i18n aims at the drawing up of a culturally neutral source text, the goal of localization is exactly the opposite: in the course of translation, the text is adapted to the target language, the cultural environment and the customs of the target country. The appropriately localized software or document is a little like a tailor-made suit. It fits perfectly.