Localization Glossary

A Project is a workspace where users import and manage resource files for multilingual processing. Each project includes Project Name, Version, Assigned Users, Workflow Configuration, Languages (Source & Target), Resource Files to be processed. Projects ensure that all elements of the localization cycle—content, teams, languages, and workflows—are organized in one place for streamlined execution.

Localization (L10n) is adapting a product, service, or content to meet the language, cultural, and regulatory requirements of a specific region or market. It involves translating text, modifying formats, and adjusting content to suit local preferences.

A Resource in a localization system refers to any file or content element that contains translatable text. These resources are imported into projects so the content can be translated, reviewed, and localized into different target languages.

The Source Language is the original language in which the content or resource is created. It serves as the starting point for all translations in a localization project.

A Target Language is the language into which the source content is translated. It represents the localized version of your product or content intended for a specific audience or market.

A Neutral Language is an optional intermediary language used to bridge translation gaps between the source language and target languages. It is especially useful when a simplified, generalized version of the source content is needed.

A Product User is anyone who has access to and interacts with a product configuration within a localization or translation management platform. These users are assigned specific roles based on their responsibilities within the respective workflow.

Admin, Project Manager (PM), Localization Engineer (L10n Engineer), Translator, Reviewer, QA Engineer, Vendor Manager, Product Manager.

A Dashboard is the central control panel of the localization platform where users can view, manage, and navigate their products, projects, and workflows.

A Workbench is the dedicated space within a localization platform where translators, reviewers, and QA engineers work directly with content. It is the main interface for editing, reviewing, and verifying translations.

DNT stands for Do Not Translate. It is a flag or instruction used in localization and translation workflows to indicate that certain text elements should remain unchanged in the target language.

A Workflow in localization is a predefined sequence of steps that a resource (like text or UI content) goes through—from translation to final approval. It ensures that all required tasks are completed by the right users in the right order.

Workflows are designed to streamline processes, making them less cumbersome and ensuring a smooth transition between each required step. They are further divided into multiple flows, where each flow consists of a defined set of steps tailored to a specific task. This structure allows users to focus only on actions relevant to their roles, effectively skipping unnecessary steps and improving overall efficiency.

Translation Memory (TM) is a database that stores previously translated text segments—such as sentences, phrases, or strings—so they can be reused in future translation work. It helps improve consistency, quality, and efficiency across projects.

A Locale is a specific regional and language variant that defines how content should be presented to users in a particular language and country combination.

Oversees the overall configuration and management of the product. Manages product-level settings, users, and global workflows.

Creates and manages projects within the product, assigns users, sets timelines, monitors progress, coordinates between teams (translators, QA, vendors).

Handles technical aspects: resource file processing, string extraction, integration with dev tools, sets up automated workflows and manages localization infrastructure.

Performs linguistic and functional testing, validates content within UI/UX context and flags issues, test for issues like terminology mismatches, formatting errors, or context-related problems.

Translates content from the source language to one or more target languages, follows style guides, glossary terms, and uses translation memory.

Manages external translation vendors or agencies, allocates translation tasks, negotiates rates, and ensures SLA compliance.

Reviews translations for quality, tone, accuracy, and consistency, performs corrections and reviews.

In a localization or translation platform, a Product Manager (PM) is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing the end-to-end localization of a product. They ensure that all content is correctly translated, reviewed, and delivered on time and according to quality standards.

A Context Screenshot is an image or visual reference that shows where a piece of text appears within the actual user interface (UI) of a product or application. It helps translators and reviewers understand the visual and functional context of the string they are working on.

Configuring a product needs to have a source language, target language and neutral language (optional). Proper set of users like Project Manager, L10n Engineer, QA Engineer, Vendor Manager and Reviewer needs to be added along with translation memory from an internal or external repository (optional). These settings are applied in their respective cards in the settings tab.

In a product dashboard, clicking on 'Start New Project' will trigger the process of project creation. Updating the fields like Name, Version, Type (workflow), required target languages and the users who are involved in the project. Finally the resources are to be added in the project which requires to be processed.

Globalization refers to the process of designing and developing products, content, and services that are adaptable for different cultures and regions around the world. It involves creating a universal framework that can be easily localized to meet the needs of specific markets.

Globalization focuses on creating a universal structure that can be adapted to multiple regions, while localization tailors that structure to a specific local market. In simple terms, globalization is the strategy, and localization is the implementation.

Localization is essential for connecting with local audiences, improving customer satisfaction, and increasing market share. This ensures that products and services are not only understood, but also culturally relevant and legally compliant.

- Accurate translation of complex content
- Maintaining brand voice across languages
- Adapting multimedia and visuals
- Handling different date, time, and currency formats
- Legal and regulatory compliance in different regions

- Increased market reach and customer base
- Better user experience and customer engagement
- Compliance with local regulations
- Enhanced brand reputation and trust

Industries like eCommerce, software development, entertainment, healthcare, and travel benefit the most from localization due to their global customer base and the need for tailored user experiences.

Internationalization (I18N) is the process of designing software, content, or systems to be adaptable for localization. This is a key part of globalization that ensures products can be easily translated and customized without engineering changes.

- Plan for localization during the initial development phase
- Use professional translators and localization experts
- Implement continuous localization workflows
- Conduct thorough testing for accuracy and cultural fit
- Regularly update and maintain localized content

Start by identifying target markets, investing in localization tools, collaborating with experienced localization partners, and implementing a scalable process for content and product adaptation.