What is translation? It is not hard to understand it. Translation is to convert one language to another language. For example, English to Chinese translation. It is to translate English to Chinese. Chinese to English translation. It is to translate Chinese to English.
So, what is localization? Compared with translation, people are not very familiar with localization and some people may not even have heard of it. Localization is to process one language to another language according to the local language demand of certain countries or regions, so as to make it more in line with local language habits and meet local language norms.
Is translation the same as localization? Of course it is not. When we see them from their definitions, we will find that the scope of translation is narrower and the scope of localization is broader. For example, when a product manual is translated, if the original file is written in English and the target language is Chinese, for translation, the product manual will be translated from English to Chinese and that’s done. However, for localization, one more step is needed. The Chinese translation must be modified and adjusted according to the target group of this product, so that when a potential customer tries to know this product, it is easier for him/her to accept it and buy it.
So, in which cases the translation is needed and in which cases the localization is needed? It must start from the customer’s own needs and their potential customer markets, and then a right choice can be made.
Whether to implement translation or localization, it is best to choose an experienced, qualified, and punctual and trustworthy translator to process it. After all, if a product’s introduction and instruction are so-so, how can the customer trust that the product is of good quality?