How to onboard translators in your localization project

You need a good plan if you’re to bring new translators into your localization project. You need to know exactly how to onboard translators to not risk any damage to quality and speed. Allow us to help you out. In this article, we’ll walk through a practical approach to onboarding: how to provide context without […]

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Digraphia in localization: Best practices for multi-script

Digraphia is a linguistic phenomenon where a single language is represented by two different writing scripts or alphabets, either simultaneously or over different historical periods. So what does this mean for localization? The coexistence of multiple scripts for a single language brings along some challenges in the field of localization. But we know of a […]

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How to achieve interoperability in localization

Interoperability is a term that sounds fancy but don’t let it scare you. Basically, interoperability in localization is about making sure all the tools, systems, and processes you use can talk to each other smoothly. Read on to find out more about what it means and how to ensure it. What is interoperability in localization? […]

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6 Famous mistranslations in localization

Even the biggest global brands and institutions don’t always get translations right. The results are often hilarious (as we can see below), sometimes confusing… and other times downright disastrous. Check out these famous mistranslations and let’s see where the brands stumbled in their attempt to localize content. Pepsi’s Chinese slogan One of the most notorious […]

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UI localization: How to get it right

One of the trickiest parts of (global) product design is UI localization. If you’re not lazy about it, it means so much more than just translating words on a button. You also have to make sure your interface feels natural, usable, and culturally relevant in every language you support. That takes time and resources, but […]

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MLM localization: The driver of global success

Multi-level marketing is personal. Unlike e-commerce, where people can hit “buy now” without speaking to anyone, MLM relies on relationships and social proof. If you don’t show you understand of the culture of the markets you want to enter, people won’t join, and your network won’t grow. MLM localization can prevent that. Some stats on […]

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The role of generative AI in localization

A localization team typically consists in translators, cultural experts, and editors who work tirelessly to adapt content. It’s been like this since the very beginning. However, more recently, we saw an additional help entering the scene. Some are excited about it, while others remain a little skeptical. That’s why, in this article, we’re going to […]

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Image localization: Is it really necessary?

“A picture is worth a thousand words” is one of the most popular and widely used phrases in the English language and has become a global adage. We can apply this catchy phrase to countless situations, including localization. Image localization is the adaptation or modification of images so they’re appropriate and effective for different local […]

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What is the ICU Message Format?

ICU Message Format is a way of writing messages in software so that they’re smart enough to adapt. ICU comes from the International Components for Unicode project, by the way. The Message Format knows how to handle plurals, genders, and other quirks of language. Because translation is just the tip of the iceberg when it […]

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Localization and regulatory compliance

When you’re looking to take your business into new markets, it’s easy to think, “We’ll just translate our website and we’re good to go.” Well… if only it were that simple. The truth is, there’s also a less glamorous (but equally critical) side of expansion: regulatory compliance. Every country has its own rules about how […]