Frequently asked questions
The Globalization and Localization Association (GALA) defines “localization,” also abbreviated as “l10n,” is the process of adapting a product or content to a specific locale or market. The localization process comprises:
- Translation
- Graphic adaptation to target markets
- Modifying content to suit its intended market
- Design and layout adaptation
- Converting to local currencies, units of measurement, etc.
- Addressing local legal requirements and local regulations
The overall goal of localization is to take a product and make it feel as local as possible in its target market.
Read more about localization on the GALA website.
Localization is a vital part of taking your message global. It is not just translation, but cultural adaptation to the intended market. Localization reduces cultural and linguistic barriers for potential customers, and leads to greater profits when done correctly.
We work with qualifying non-profit organizations.
Qualifying non-profits are organizations who have not previously worked with a language service provider and are interested in expanding their global reach.
We help organizations connect with markets all over the world. We offer the following services:
- Translation
- Website localization
- Print or e-book localization
- Mobile app localization
- Software localization
- Game localization
- Multilingual desktop publishing
- Video subtitling or dubbing
- Terminology management/glossary creation
- Style guide authoring
- Localization training for new tools and platforms
- Localization documentation
- Consulting services
We work primarily from English into Spanish, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), French, Russian, Korean, German, Japanese and Portuguese (Brazil). If you are interested in localizing your content into other languages, please contact us with details about your project and we can work together to find the right solution for you.
Our core services (consulting, project management, engineering, desktop publishing, vendor management and terminology management) are provided at no cost to deserving non-profit organizations.
How do we do this?
Globe is part of an academic institution and is run by graduate students. Translation is primarily provided by volunteers, but for large projects outside our primary language offerings, we sometimes need to hire translators and may need organizations to help with this cost.
Content undergoes several quality assurance processes at various stages of the localization process.
The Middlebury Institute of International Studies is a globally-renowned institution and is the only one to offer a graduate-level degree in translation and localization management. Graduates go on to be localization managers, linguists, and translators at government agencies, and at major companies like Facebook, Salesforce, RWS Moravia, Lionbridge, and more.
Please review our finished projects and former client testimonials to learn more.
