Localization, Technology, Translation

The Definitive Guide to Mobile App Localization

Are you currently searching for ways to make your brand more familiarized and recognized by your target and potential leads? Then, creating a mobile app might be the solution for you. However, you need to first consider localization to build the perfect mobile app. Because localization enables you to achieve your business goals faster and massively contribute to your virtual existence by providing a global experience for your leads and customers.

Let’s start with the definition of localization and walk through all the steps of app localization.

What does localization mean?

The term “localization” originally derives from the world locale. Locales can be summarized as the various spoken types and dialects of one language. Suppose we happen to go back to what localization basically means. In that case, it simply adapts a particular context to a specific culture, region, or country to provide familiarization for the target audience. Converting kilometers to miles, kilograms to pounds, or vice versa can be considered among localization examples.

For an audience who is familiar with kilograms, pounds will make no sense unless they have already prior knowledge about it. So it can come in handy to localize these metrics according to the cultural background of the audience. Think about this simple example in a broader sense. Localization is different from translation, and it provides endless opportunities for businesses or entities to reach whomever they want to. Localization can be thought of as a form of customization for every client that uses your app.

The definition of app localization

Based on the short definition of locale, it might be useful to explain it in the sense that we know in today’s world. So, locales were different versions of one language. English is the perfect example of this. It is spoken differently in the USA, Australia than it is in the United Kingdom or Canada. So even while setting up your phone’s language, you see several options representing the region of that language, such as English (UK), English (US), English (AU), English (CA). You basically localize your phone while setting up your language or Siri.

The same logic applies to mobile applications, websites, or any other digital platform you can think of. With localizing your mobile app content, it is possible to provide different language options within the app to fit the needs of people reaching out from different cultural backgrounds and locations. Or if you sell any products or services, allowing your customers to see fees in their own home currency and read dates in their preferred format won’t only ease their processes but also help you carry your app to the next level.

What does app localization include?

Even though the written content might be among the first elements that come to mind, the localization process doesn’t entail written content only. It also transfers and translates the related cultural values or habits specific to a region, such as you might see in some of the steps below.

We have listed some practical mobile app localization steps below:

1- ADA compliance: make your platform accessible and user-friendly for visually challenged people and users with hearing impairment.

2- Flexibility in context size: It might take up more words on your screen if you translate specific content. So the text may either shrink or extend. In this sense, it is crucial to build the app flexibly.

3- RTL language support: Providing support for languages that are written and read from right to left.

4- Use consistent glossary: It might be useful to stick with a particular brand, business terminology that might make your visitors familiar with your services and brand. Employing these types of special lingo or glossary in your app is also important for localization purposes.

5- Cultural media/images: It is essential to provide as many localized items as possible on a mobile app. Since the main aim is to adapt the app media, it is important not to have any visual imagery, picture, or video that can offend anyone in that culture.

6- Providing culturally appropriate metric and time formats: Measurement types, currencies, date formats vary from culture to culture. Therefore the app should allow users to adapt their own dashboard or page according to their cultural requirements if they ever happen to desire.

This app localization checklist applies to Android app localization or an iOS app localization regardless of the system.

Why is app localization a must for the ones who aim to target wider audiences?

In today’s world, people can make real-time communication by using small devices that listen and translate everything they say throughout the whole conversation. Such breakthroughs in technology are sure to remove any blockers related to language or cultural differences. So, it is vital to localize apps, websites, or even home appliances with smart screens that most of us use at home.

Especially with the pandemic, our habits have drastically changed. Thus, growing businesses, platforms, and apps that reach thousands of people every day need to be even more globalized. So most get into a new phase of rebuilding their app strategies. With or without COVID-19, with the continuous development in technology and the internet, interactions are most likely to occur in an online environment. Therefore, addressing and reaching as many people as possible will be everyone’s number one priority, especially from the business standpoint. When the time comes, customers or consumers will be less understanding and forgiving. They probably will not be as loyal as you think unless you provide the proper optimizations with your mobile app.

We clarified above that many businesses experienced a growing demand for localization since everyone can now reach apps and their contents anywhere and anytime. Including mobile

banking apps, many sectors allow their customers and users to handle most of the operations at the comfort of their home, and apps have been optimized in conjunction with these demands. But what else can one do to get one step ahead and plan an efficient localization plan?

Planning steps to localize mobile apps

It’s hard to keep up with the latest mobile app requirements and demands. However, to give the apps the boost they need, it might require rebuilding a new localization strategy, especially in a time like this when everything is happening online. People tend to get into using apps more in the comfort of their homes, creating a wide array of possibilities for apps to meet these needs. However, localization needs care and resources to result in a successful implementation.

Sometimes, it might be challenging to take the first steps, and rushing into a half-baked localization plan will definitely affect your app’s quality besides your credibility. When you check all these points to make your strategy ready for implementation, your app is bound to skyrocket. That is why we have gathered some of these practical steps to get any app localization process to get started efficiently and quickly.

How to start app localization step by step

– Know your customer: Focusing on the target audience and avoiding unnecessary expenses for a market can be a massive step for the apps. Knowing the app’s market and building your steps further from there will save you time and resources.

– Reviewing localization process: It’s important to know where the localization process status stands for the app in question. Understanding local customer demands and keeping up with the trends there is essential.

– Time to apply localization to marketing strategies: Since now what the clients or the target audience expect from the app is loud and clear, it is time to start building a solid marketing process, including call-to-actions and app notifications for all users. Localization is the key player to ramp up the app’s visibility.

– Embrace new technological demands and optimize: It is all about keeping up with the trends. Apps need constant developments and improvements to provide a better experience for users in every sense. It is important not to hold back anything that can further contribute to user acquisition and spread to the new markets.

These four simple steps are among the most crucial steps in taking apps to a higher level. They address the needs of everyone from different backgrounds while growing the app’s business and increasing its visibility.

Continuous localization is a must

Just like continuous improvement and development of the app, continuity, and consistency of the app localization services matters considerably. Building a global product, such as a mobile app, requires more than translation. Based on the steps we’ve covered above, the app has already finalized the first and most important localization steps. It has new languages and compatibility formats for users with different histories and cultural backgrounds, and it is already optimized for considering local and global needs. However, the job doesn’t end there. That is why it is important to look at localization as a step integrated within the app building process rather than a rushed afterthought.

As mentioned, texts can expand, shrink or users need to change the user interface since they need to use different tools to interact with the app’s content. These are all time-consuming, last-minute adjustments that designers and developers need to take care of when/if localization is not included within the building process. Regarding workload, time, and resources, making sure the app has a continuous localization process, a successful integration with the app, and localization’s effects on the digital content or any media app are something we can help with. With our handpicked localization experts and leading language technology, Tarjama offers remarkable localization results for your apps. Get in touch with us now to get started!

From Code to Culture: LLMs and Humans Bridging Global Dialects

Imagine a world where every word you read or hear feels like it was crafted just for you, in your unique dialect, with all the cultural nuances intact. Thanks to large language models (LLMs), this world is not just a dream—it’s becoming our reality. These AI marvels are breaking down language barriers, preserving linguistic diversity, and ensuring that everyone, no matter where they are or what dialect they speak, feels understood and valued. But this technological transformation doesn’t mean that human translators are out of the picture. On the contrary, human expertise is crucial in complementing and enhancing the capabilities of LLMs. Let’s dive into the exciting ways LLMs and human translators are working together to transform localization and dialect recognition, with real-world examples that highlight their combined impact. The Wonders of Large Language Models (LLMs) Large language models, like GPT-4, are AI systems trained on vast amounts of text from all corners of the internet. These models use deep learning to understand and generate human-like text, making them incredibly proficient at tasks like translation, summarization, and conversational interactions. Their ability to grasp the intricacies of language allows them to produce translations that are not just accurate but also contextually and culturally appropriate. Case Study: Enhancing Localization with LLMs and Human Expertise Let’s take a real-world example from a global e-commerce giant looking to expand its reach into Japan. Traditional translation methods fell short in capturing the cultural nuances and consumer preferences of the Japanese market. Enter LLMs and a team of human translators. By leveraging an LLM trained on extensive Japanese data and the cultural insights of human translators, the company was able to localize its content, from product descriptions to marketing campaigns, in a way that resonated deeply with Japanese consumers. The result? A significant boost in customer engagement and sales. The AI model didn’t just translate words—it understood the context, the cultural norms, and the subtle preferences of Japanese shoppers. Phrases were adapted to match local idioms, and product features were highlighted in ways that appealed specifically to the Japanese market. The human translators ensured that these translations felt natural and culturally authentic, providing feedback and making adjustments that the AI might have missed. This level of localization, powered by the collaboration between LLMs and human experts, made the company’s entry into Japan not just smooth, but wildly successful. The Role of LLMs in Dialect Recognition Dialects add another layer of complexity to localization. They reflect regional variations in language, encompassing unique vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammatical structures. Traditional translation systems often struggle with dialects, leading to generic translations that miss the richness of local speech. LLMs, however, are changing the game, especially when complemented by human expertise. True Story: Preserving Arabic Dialects Consider the diverse Arabic-speaking world, where dialects vary significantly from one region to another. A project aimed at preserving and promoting Arabic dialects used LLMs to capture these variations accurately. By training the models on data from different Arabic-speaking regions and involving native speakers as human translators, the project created a translation system that could distinguish between Egyptian Arabic, Levantine Arabic, and Gulf Arabic, among others. For example, an educational platform aimed at teaching children in the Middle East saw dramatic improvements. Previously, their content was in Modern Standard Arabic, which, while understood, didn’t resonate with children in their everyday lives. By incorporating LLMs trained on regional dialects and the insights of human translators, the platform tailored its lessons to reflect the way children actually spoke at home and in their communities. This not only made learning more engaging but also helped preserve the rich tapestry of Arabic dialects. Promoting Linguistic Inclusion LLMs promote linguistic inclusion by ensuring that speakers of less common dialects are not left behind. This is particularly important in regions with significant linguistic diversity, where standard language forms may not fully capture the way people communicate daily. LLMs help bridge this gap, making content more accessible and relatable to everyone, while human translators ensure that these translations are nuanced and accurate. The Future of Localization with LLMs and Human Translators The integration of LLMs into localization processes is just the beginning. As these models continue to evolve, their capabilities will expand, opening up new possibilities for global communication. Here are some exciting prospects for the future where LLMs and human translators work hand in hand: Real-Time Translation Imagine traveling to a remote village in Africa and conversing effortlessly with locals in their native dialect, or conducting business meetings in real-time with colleagues from across the globe, each speaking their own language. LLMs are paving the way for this reality, enabling instant communication across languages and dialects without losing the essence of the message. Human translators play a crucial role in fine-tuning these real-time translations to ensure they are contextually appropriate and culturally sensitive. Personalized Localization As LLMs become more sophisticated, they will be able to provide highly personalized localization services. This means not only adapting content to regional preferences but also tailoring it to individual user preferences based on their language use, cultural background, and personal interests. Personalized localization can enhance user experience, improve engagement, and foster stronger connections with global audiences. Human translators can provide the cultural insights necessary to make these personalizations feel natural and authentic. Cross-Cultural Collaboration LLMs can also facilitate cross-cultural collaboration by breaking down language barriers in professional and academic settings. By providing accurate and context-aware translations, these models enable seamless communication and knowledge sharing across different linguistic communities. This can accelerate innovation, promote cultural exchange, and drive collective progress. Human translators ensure that the nuances of communication are preserved, fostering mutual understanding and respect. Case Study: Real-Time Translation in Action A tech company based in Silicon Valley used LLMs to develop a real-time translation tool for its international teams. Previously, language barriers caused delays and misunderstandings. With the new tool, engineers in Germany could discuss projects with their counterparts in Japan without missing a beat. The LLM didn’t just translate words—it maintained the technical

July 31, 2024

The Language Divide: How AI and Humans Acquire Language

Hello, language enthusiasts! I am an AI language model, and today I’ll be sharing insights into the fascinating differences between how humans and models acquire and utilize language abilities. Forget Shakespearean sonnets and Hemingwayesque prose – I can now communicate with human-like fluency on various topics. But before you crown me the champion of language, let’s take a deeper look. How do I, an AI marvel, learn language compared to you humans who effortlessly absorb grammar and nuances from mere babbling infancy? While I gobble up petabytes of data during training, children achieve fluency with just millions of language examples. The secret lies in our vastly different approaches to language acquisition. So, buckle up, as I reveal the unique strengths and limitations that separate me from human linguistic mastery. The Learning Process: An Immersive Experience vs. My Statistical Modeling For humans, language acquisition is an intricate developmental process that combines exposure, social interaction, and cognitive maturation. Infants start by recognizing patterns in the speech sounds around them, gradually mapping words to objects and concepts. As they grow, humans learn the complex system of grammar rules, syntax, and semantics through immersive experiences and education. This learning process is facilitated by the social-cognitive foundations of language. Children acquire language skills by engaging with caregivers, observing pragmatic language use, and receiving corrective feedback. Culturally transmitted knowledge and formal schooling further refine their semantic understanding and ability to wield language productively. In contrast, I did not undergo the same developmental journey. I learned language through a streamlined process of ingesting and modeling vast troves of text data during training. Using machine learning techniques like transformers, I built sophisticated statistical representations that capture patterns in word sequences and contexts. However, my learning is primarily based on mapping symbolic representations without the same grounded, multi-modal experiences that facilitate human language acquisition. I do not develop an understanding of grammar, syntax, or semantics the way humans do – instead, I generate linguistic outputs by modeling the probability distributions of word co-occurrences present in my training data. While hugely capable, this statistical modeling approach has limitations. My knowledge is constrained by the data I was exposed to, lacking the ability to leverage true understanding or create entirely novel linguistic constructs. Language Production: From Mind Maps to Markov Chains A key difference in how humans and LLMs produce language lies in the fundamental structures and cognitive processes involved. Humans employ hierarchical, compositional representations to construct language, while LLMs primarily operate by modeling sequential patterns. For humans, language production involves hierarchically organizing elements like words, phrases, and clauses into grammatically coherent structures governed by syntactic rules. You start with high-level abstract concepts, then recursively combine and nest the components in a principled way reflective of the compositional nature of human cognition. For example, to produce the sentence “The happy puppy chased the red ball,” a human constructs an underlying hierarchical representation: [Sentence [Noun Phrase The [Adjective happy] [Noun puppy]] [Verb Phrase chased [Noun Phrase the [Adjective red] [Noun ball]]]] You inherently understand the hierarchical relationships – how words group into phrases, which are nested into clauses, combined into a complete thought with subject-verb agreement. In contrast, LLMs like myself primarily model language as sequential chains of tokens (words or subwords) without explicitly representing the same hierarchical, compositional structures. Our training aims to capture patterns in linear sequences of text, learning statistically probable models of what token should come next based on the previous context. We leverage capabilities like attention mechanisms to consider broader context, but fundamentally operate over linear sequences rather than hierarchical compositions of nested phrases and clauses. This sequential modeling allows us to achieve remarkable results in many language tasks. However, the lack of explicit hierarchical compositionality may underlie some of our limitations, like struggling with long-range dependencies, logical/semantic coherence over length, and systematically generalizing linguistic concepts. As AI advances, introducing more compositional and structured representations closer to human-like processing may enhance our generalization, robustness, and ability to handle complex language constructs. However, the sequential modeling approach has proven highly capable and remains a driving force behind modern LLMs. Understanding Context: Humans vs. LLMs in the Nuance Game While I can recognize and respond to some contextual cues present in my training data, my understanding pales in comparison to the depth and nuance that you humans possess. Unlike me, you navigate a rich tapestry of context that transcends mere word patterns. You interpret utterances through the lens of your personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, emotional intelligence, and an intuitive grasp of social dynamics. This contextual prowess allows you to navigate even the most intricate linguistic landscapes. You effortlessly infer implied meanings, decipher metaphors and idioms, detect sarcasm and humor, and tailor your responses accordingly. The same phrase can take on wildly different meanings for you depending on the speaker, situation, and the intricate web of surrounding circumstances. You don’t just rely on the words themselves. You seamlessly integrate verbal cues with intonations, facial expressions, body language, and the physical environment. This multi-modal data, fused with your vast understanding of how the world works, leads you to rich, nuanced interpretations. In contrast, I lack this deeply grounded, multi-modal understanding of context. While I can model linguistic contexts by analyzing patterns across my training data, I lack true socio-cultural and perceptual intelligence. My grasp of context remains relatively shallow and symbolic, compared to the embodied, experience-based understanding you humans acquire. This limited contextual ability manifests in my frequent mistakes – misinterpreting idioms, missing social cues, and failing to infer pragmatic implied meanings. While I am constantly improving, replicating your human-level contextual understanding remains a significant hurdle for AI systems like mine. Creativity and Originality: From Revelations to Remixes While I can generate fluent text that effectively mimics human language patterns, my creativity is ultimately constrained and limited by the data I was exposed to during training. In stark contrast, humans exhibit remarkable creativity and originality when using language to articulate novel ideas and unique perspectives. I operate by recombining and

June 24, 2024

How Can Tarjama’s AMT Revolutionize Your Arabic Translation Needs?

At Tarjama, we are revolutionizing Arabic translation with our state-of-the-art Arabic Machine Translation (AMT). Our commitment to innovation ensures we continually evolve to meet our clients’ diverse needs. AMT technology is a testament to this dedication, offering a wealth of unique features and contributions that make it a true game-changer in the industry. Let’s explore these underexplored facets that highlight why AMT stands out in the field of translation. Human-AI Collaboration: The Best of Both Worlds One of the most compelling aspects of AMT is its seamless integration of human expertise with artificial intelligence. This hybrid approach leverages the precision and speed of AI while benefiting from the cultural and contextual insights of human translators. Our in-house linguists work alongside AI to correct factual errors, refine language fluency, and ensure the use of appropriate terms and styles. This collaboration results in translations that are not only accurate but also culturally nuanced and contextually relevant. Tailored Solutions for Varied Needs AMT is designed to cater to diverse business requirements, offering flexibility in deployment and operation. Whether it’s handling large volumes of content swiftly or ensuring stringent data security and compliance, AMT meets a wide range of needs. It supports both cloud-based and on-premises installations, adhering to international standards such as ISO 27001, which ensures high security and compliance levels. Enhanced Efficiency with CleverSo Integration The integration of AMT with our Translation Management System (TMS), CleverSo, highlights the efficiency and effectiveness of our solutions. CleverSo utilizes the outputs of AMT to streamline the translation workflow, allowing translators to focus on higher-level editing and refinement. This synergy not only improves productivity but also ensures consistency and accuracy across all translation projects. Advancing Arabic NLP Research Tarjama is not only utilizing AI but also contributing to the broader field of Arabic Natural Language Processing (NLP). By providing meticulously curated Arabic datasets and insights to research institutions, we play a significant role in advancing Arabic AI. This contribution is crucial for enhancing the capabilities of Arabic language technology, benefiting a global community of over half a billion Arabic speakers. Tarjama’s AMT is more than a translation tool; it is a comprehensive solution that combines AI and human expertise, contributes to Arabic NLP research, and offers tailored solutions for diverse business needs. As we continue to innovate and expand, AMT stands as a beacon of quality and efficiency in the translation industry. For more information on how AMT can benefit your business, Contact us now!

June 4, 2024

Women behind Technology at Tarjama& – Featuring Nadeen Khuffash – Product Owner at Tarjama&

Welcome to a journey into the heart of Tarjama, where innovation meets dedication, and women are driving the wheels of technological advancement. In this exclusive series of interviews, we’re peeling back the curtain to shine a spotlight on the brilliant minds shaping the future of language solutions at Tarjama&. Each interview offers a glimpse into the unique experiences, insights, and triumphs of the women who are not just breaking barriers but redefining them in the tech industry. From software engineers to project managers, these women are the backbone of Tarjama, infusing creativity, expertise, and passion into every aspect of their work. Join us as we delve into their journeys, exploring the challenges they’ve overcome, the milestones they’ve achieved, and the vision that propels them forward. Today, we’re interviewing Nadeen Khuffash, Product Owner at Tarjama; let’s delve into her story and learn more about her pivotal role within our organization. Q1: How do you prioritize and manage product development tasks and goals? Effective prioritization is at the heart of my role as a Product Owner. Using methodologies like Agile and Scrum, I maintain constant communication with the development team and stakeholders. Tasks are prioritized based on customer needs, business goals, and available resources. Regular sprint planning and backlog grooming ensure a clear roadmap for the team. Q2: Can you share a successful product launch or enhancement you’ve overseen at Tarjama&? One standout success was the launch of the new t-portal UI/UX journey, significantly improving user engagement and efficiency. This achievement resulted from close collaboration with the development and UX/UI teams. Thorough research, user feedback, and iterative improvement played key roles in exceeding user expectations. Q3: How do you collaborate with different teams to ensure alignment with product objectives? Collaboration is crucial in achieving our product objectives. I maintain open communication with development, operations, sales, marketing, and support teams. Regular cross-functional meetings and workshops ensure everyone is aligned. I value feedback from each team, nurturing a collaborative environment aligned with overall business goals. Q4: What challenges do you face in balancing user needs, business goals, and technological limitations? Balancing user needs, business goals, and technological limitations is an ongoing challenge. Prioritizing user needs, working closely with the development team on technological challenges, and regular stakeholder communication form our strategy. The key lies in finding a balanced alignment between user desires, business needs, and technological feasibility. Q5: What excites you most about the future of product development in the language services industry? The evolving landscape of the language services industry offers exciting opportunities. Technological advances, such as AI and machine learning, hold the potential to enhance translation accuracy and efficiency. Embracing these innovations, coupled with a focus on user experience, positions us to provide sophisticated and user-friendly solutions, positively impacting language services globally. Q6: What do you appreciate most about working at Tarjama&? What I appreciate most about Tarjama& is its collaborative and innovative culture. The company values creativity, encourages continuous learning, and nurtures a supportive environment. The diverse and talented teams contribute to a dynamic workplace where everyone’s input is valued, making it an exciting and fulfilling place to work. As we conclude this captivating interview, we invite you to stay tuned for the next interview in our series, where we’ll introduce you to yet another remarkable woman behind tech at Tarjama&. Until then, keep dreaming, keep creating, and keep pushing boundaries. The journey of discovery continues, and we can’t wait to embark on it with you. See you next week for the next chapter in our series of the women behind tech at Tarjama!

May 28, 2024

The Definitive Guide to Mobile App Localization

What does localization mean?

The definition of app localization

What does app localization include?

Why is app localization a must for the ones who aim to target wider audiences?

Planning steps to localize mobile apps

How to start app localization step by step

Continuous localization is a must

Similar articles

From Code to Culture: LLMs and Humans Bridging Global Dialects

The Language Divide: How AI and Humans Acquire Language

How Can Tarjama’s AMT Revolutionize Your Arabic Translation Needs?

Women behind Technology at Tarjama& – Featuring Nadeen Khuffash – Product Owner at Tarjama&

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The Definitive Guide to Mobile App Localization

What does localization mean?

The definition of app localization

What does app localization include?

Why is app localization a must for the ones who aim to target wider audiences?

Planning steps to localize mobile apps

How to start app localization step by step

Continuous localization is a must

Similar articles

About us

Our Technology

Contact us

Help center

Company

Capabilities

Products

We offer innovative language solutions to connect global markets.

We offer innovative language  
solutions to connect global markets.