You must have heard this phrase before—’ Lost in translation’—many times. Why do you think we say that? Sometimes, marketing materials need localization and not just translation.
There are times when only the translation process fails to understand the intended picture, which leads to a huge difference between the intent and the impact. This is where we understand the importance of wholesome localization.
Do you know the famous Harry Potter books are named differently? For instance, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the title in the UK, whereas Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is the title in the US.
This is because audiences are not the same everywhere, and as we all know, one size does not fit all. In the same way, many mobile apps are emphasizing localization. Now this localization of mobile apps eventually gives rise to the need for mobile app localization.
We know you must be wondering why localization for mobile apps is a must. You are at the right place, as we will tell you why it is important. This blog will tell you everything about the mobile app localization process.
So, let’s get started.
Why Does Localization Matter for Mobile Apps?
Did you know that there are over five billion internet users, but we have less than 26 percent of the users who understand English? This leads to a huge communication and language gap between consumers and brands.
As you know, translation tools don’t do justice to the content all the time. This is where localization matters, as it allows you to demonstrate that you truly care about your audiences.
Now localization matters for mobile apps as it transforms a universal product into an experience that resonates deeply with a diverse range of users. Can you imagine opening an app that speaks your language, reflects your culture, and adapts to your daily habits?
You feel instantly connected, and the app will feel intuitive. This approach not only enriches the user experience but also builds a foundation of trust, encouraging higher engagement and long-term retention.
Apps like Spotify and Airbnb exemplify this approach, offering playlists and adapting features to match regional tastes, making the users feel valued and understood. With the localization process, you create a sense of belonging and inclusivity, which will further drive both loyalty and user adoption.
Key Elements of Localization for Mobile Apps
Listed below are some of the key elements of localization for mobile apps that will help you create a seamless, culturally relevant experience for your users.
1. Language Translation and Adaptation
As you know, localization begins with translating the app’s text into the target language. But here is the catch: effective localization goes beyond direct translation. You need to adapt phrases, idioms, and tone to ensure they resonate with your local users.
For instance, some humor or expressions that work in one language might need adjustment to feel natural in another.
2. Cultural Relevance
Adapting visual components, colors, symbols, and imagery to the target audience’s cultural norms and preferences is known as cultural relevance. For instance, certain colors may have specific meanings in different cultures; like, red symbolizes luck in China but may have different connotations elsewhere.
When you have a culturally relevant app, it creates a sense of familiarity, making the app feel native to each region.
3. Date, Time, and Number Formats
Many users in different cultures and regions expect to see date, time, and number formats that are familiar to them. For instance, MM/DD/YYYY is standard in the U.S., while many other countries use DD/MM/YYYY.
Similarly, number separators vary, with commas used in some regions and periods in others. So, adapting these formats enhances user comprehension and comfort.
4. Testing and Quality Assurance
As you know, localization testing is essential to ensure all elements work smoothly in each language and cultural setting. Localization testing includes linguistic testing to verify accuracy and functional testing to confirm UI components, payment systems, and other localized elements work correctly.
Technical Aspects of Mobile App Localization
As you know, mobile app localization requires careful attention to technical aspects to ensure a seamless user experience.
Listed below are some of the primary technical aspects to consider.
1. Internationalization (i18n)
It is the process of designing an app’s codebase to support multiple languages and regions without needing significant redesigns. Internationalization includes using resource files for text strings, flexible layouts, and designing for potential changes in text length.
Also, internationalization ensures that adding a new language or locale doesn’t require extensive code rewrites.
2. String Externalization
In this, all translatable text should be stored in external resource files rather than hard-coded within the app’s source code. This particular separation enables developers to manage content independently, facilitating translation updates without altering the core code.
For instance, in Android, string resources are stored in XML files, while in iOS, they are often kept localizable .strings files.
3. Unicode and Character Encoding
The mobile app must use Unicode encoding to support a wide range of languages, including those with non-Latin characters.
UTF-16 or UTF-8 encoding ensures that the mobile app can handle diverse alphabets, symbols, and special characters without display issues.
Mobile App Localization Process
Mobile app localization involves several key steps to ensure that the mobile app meets the linguistic, cultural, and functional needs of diverse global audiences.
Let’s have a look at the overall process of mobile app localization.
1. Internationalization (i18n) Preparation
The mobile app must be designed in such a way that it supports multiple languages and locales. This preparation includes separating text from the code, using resource files for strings, and designing flexible layouts.
Then set up date, time, currency, and number formats to automatically adapt based on locale. This allows the app to be easily modified for different regions.
Next, store all translatable text, labels, and placeholders in external files, like XML for Android and. strings for iOS, to streamline the next translation process.
2. Locale and Market Research
Then determine which regions the app will target, considering factors like language, cultural preferences, and market potential.
Try to understand user preferences in each target market, including regional user experience (UX) expectations, content style, and color schemes.
This particular information will guide the cultural adaptation of both visual and content elements.
3. Extracting Content for Translation
The next step is to extract all user-facing text, like labels, buttons, messages, and notifications, into resource files for translation.
Then identify which content needs immediate localization and prioritize accordingly, focusing on core content that directly impacts user experience.
4. Translation and Cultural Adaptation
For translation and cultural adaptation, translate the app’s text content into the target languages. Make sure to work with native-speaking professional translators who understand the nuances of each language.
For cultural adaptation, adjust content to reflect cultural norms, idiomatic expressions, and cultural references. This will include localizing colors, symbols, and graphics to make the app feel native to each region.
5. App Store Optimization (ASO) and Localization
For app store optimization, adapt the app’s name, description, keywords, and screenshots for each language in app stores to increase visibility and downloads in different regions.
You can also research and include popular keywords for each target market to improve search rankings in app stores.
Common Localization Challenges and Solutions
The localization process is surely a crucial process for businesses expanding into new markets, but it also comes with unique challenges.
Let’s have a look at these challenges and what the actionable solutions are for each one of them.
1. Cultural Nuances
When it comes to localization, it isn’t just about translating words; rather, it involves understanding and adapting to cultural differences. For instance, colors, symbols, and phrases may carry different meanings across cultures.
To curb this situation, you can invest in cultural research for each target market, so work with native linguists and cultural consultants who understand local preferences, values, and taboos. Always test your content with a small local audience to ensure relevance and appropriateness.
2. Language Complexity and Variability
Different cultures and languages have unique structures, idioms, and colloquial expressions. Like, Spanish varies significantly between Spain and Latin America, and Chinese has both simplified and traditional forms.
To tackle these types of situations, identify and use the correct dialects for each target audience. Create glossaries and style guides for consistency, and use native-speaking linguists to quality-check the translations.
3. Technical and Formatting Issues
Various text expansions can also disrupt formatting, as sentences may become significantly longer or shorter. Because the structure of text, characters, and symbols varies across languages.
The solution for this challenge is to design software and digital platforms with localization in mind to support multiple languages and character sets. Try to use flexible UI designs that adapt to different text lengths and orientations, like RTL languages like Arabic.
You can also implement automated checks for text-overflow and other formatting issues.
When all these challenges and solutions are addressed, the localization process transforms an app from a one-size-fits-all solution into a tailored experience.
Need a hand in localizing your mobile app? Naarg has got you covered!
Contact us today to learn more about our extensive localization services.
