ahmed@middleeast-localizers.com
Website localization is the process of modifying an existing website to make it accessible, usable and culturally suitable for a target audience. Website localization is a multi-layered process that needs both programming expertise and linguistic and cultural knowledge. If either is missing, the chances are that a localization project will encounter problems. As the internet use gains more popularity, more users want to access websites in their native languages. We can provide you with top-rated website translation from English and French into Arabic; English into Farsi (Persian); English into Urdu; English into Dari/Pashto; and English into French. We have a team of translation experts supported by designers and programming experts to ensure that your translated website looks exactly as the original and presents your messages to your target audience. Website translation demands accuracy, specialist cultural knowledge and a high level of organization. We assure delivering high quality results. Our target languages are served by native speakers whose abilities have earned them a place of trust in our team.
Some variables we take into consideration when we localize a website:
Language
We analyze the style of the language and the target audience. If the audience is foreign business personnel, the vocabulary, grammar and punctuation must reflect this. If the audience is informal or youth orientated, then a more relaxed language must be used. Using the wrong language for the wrong reader in your localization project will lead to a misunderstanding of the site or company.
Pictures & Symbols
Images and symbols carry many subtle cultural messages within them. These can speak volumes about your company or product. Pictures or images may have certain negative connotations that may repel viewers. When including pictures of personnel, it is wise to tailor these to what the target audience will look positively upon. It is through pictures that websites can either relate to an audience or repel them.
Colors
Colors are also loaded with cultural meanings that need to be analyzed in website localization. Choosing the wrong color for your logo or background will not always have disastrous consequences, but avoiding them is always advisable. For example in Japan, white is commonly associated with mourning. In China, red is auspicious.
Navigation
A common problem experienced in localization is the effect on layout through translation. Foreign scripts can make your pages need more room or less room depending on the target language in localization. Not all languages are read from left to right. Arabic is read from right to left. Access to certain pages is also a factor that can be considered as relevant.
Content
Examining your written content in any localization process is critical to its success. This is not only important for proper transfer of aspects such as dates, currencies, and units of measurement but for presenting the correct image. For example, will the site focus on a product or a company? Both bring with them certain considerations dependent on the target culture. If a company is marketing itself in a culture that respects seniority and hierarchy, readers will want to see information on senior members. Along with their titles and rank, they will also want to evaluate them through information on their professional qualifications, experience and contacts.