Localization refers to the process of adapting the source language intended for translation to the target language in a way that is suitable for the culture, traditions, language use characteristics, and social conditions of that country. The localization process is a field within the translation process. The primary areas where localization is applied include marketing areas and website translations. 

Language and Cultural Competence in Localization

What the localization method implies in translations is the shaping of the target text according to the recipient. When translating from the target language to the source language, it cannot be expected that a translation done only with vocabulary will be accurate and high quality. The translation must also conform to the rules of the region where the language is used, the structure of the society, and its culture. 

This is why localization work should be carried out by specialized translators who will translate from the source language to the target language. A specialized translator must have a very good understanding of the characteristic features of the language to be translated, must be proficient in the structure of the target language, and must be able to create a coherent meaning that speakers of the language can understand. The purpose of localization work should consider the cultural and social features of the people who speak the target language and how they use the language.

Fields of Localization

The localization process in translation is carried out in many fields. Especially in situations like marketing, where the message must be conveyed to the target audience fully and completely, localization processes are very commonly used. The fields in which localization is applied in translation can be listed as follows:

• Digital Content Localization

• Game Localization

• Website Localization

• Book Localization

• Multimedia Localization

• Software Localization