5 Things You Always Wanted to

Know About Localization*

Hans Fenstermacher, CEO!GALA!

hfenstermacher@gala-global.org !!

*But Were Afraid to Ask!

“Just one more thing...”!

!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biW9BbWJtQU

What’s the difference between

translation and localization?*

*HINT: Nothing. Also everything.!

For being in the

language business, we sure can be

bad at communicating!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fuDDqU6n4o!

Rule #1:

Determine what

you need!

Rule #2:

Set Expectations

for everyone!

Rule #3:

See Rule #2!

Why is localization so hard?

*HINT: Because life is.!

Language

– like breathing –

still isn’t viewed as a

skill!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAG39jKi0lI!

The Goldilocks / Ricitos de oro /

Cachos dorados dilemma!

Why is localization so expensive?

*HINT: It isn’t.!

“Translation?

that’s easy. Now, engineering...

That’s hard.”!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2a8TRSgzZY

Aren’t most localization providers

basically the same?

*HINT: Yes, just like most restaurants.!

“I do not sell. I buy for

my customer. If I buy correctly,

I never have to

sell anything.”

“Quality is not

what the supplier puts in. It is what the

customer gets out and

is willing to pay for. Customers pay only for

what is of use to them

and gives them value.”

Don’t computers translate most

everything now?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qucf2-ltFMo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwBmPiOmEGQ

What’s the difference between

translation and localization?

Why is localization so hard?

Why is localization so expensive?

Aren’t most localization providers

basically the same?

Don’t computers translate most

everything now?