What is localization?

The localization of software is a process which not only involves the linguistic translation of the texts of an application, but also requires that the proper functioning of the localized application be tested (i.e. whether everything works exactly the same in the localized product as in the original).

Adapting a product to a target market

A product must be adapted to the language, culture, and different customs of a specific target region or market (e.g. it must know how to work with the local format of date and time, respect local customs in terms of programme control, etc.).

Linguistics in league with technique

The localization process requires language knowledge in combination with other types of skills and techniques that are not directly related to linguistics.