Depending on your aspirations as a bi/multilingual professional within the language services industry, you might be contemplating a foray into either translation or localization services. It’s important to recognize that translation and localization serve distinct purposes in the creation of multilingual content, although a successful strategy may involve a blend of both to effectively reach diverse audiences.
The Differences Between Translation and Localization
To avoid confusion between these two concepts, let’s begin by defining them. Translation involves converting text or content from one language to another, while localization entails adapting content to the cultural and regional context of the specific target language. Translation focuses on maintaining the original meaning, context, and intent, playing a critical role in technical documents, legal texts, and materials where precision is paramount. Conversely, the localization process addresses cultural nuances, aiming to make content natural and relevant to the target audience.
“If translation covers linguistic and cultural aspects, localization also includes visual and technical solutions. It makes the content fully functional in different languages, to ensure that your brand experience resonates with your global customers,” (Timofejeva). While linguistic accuracy is vital in both processes, localization places a primary emphasis on enhancing the user experience. For marketing materials, websites, and multimedia content, localization surpasses mere language translation, actively working to prevent unintended cultural misunderstandings by adjusting colors, images, date formats, and currency symbols.
Career Opportunities in the Localization and Translation Industry
This rapidly expanding industry aligns with the interconnected nature of the current global economy. Career opportunities in this field range from Localization Project Manager to Localization Engineer and beyond. “The 25-year journey of the localization industry has seen amazing transformations and progress. The next stage of evolution will capitalize on insights and analysis about language, tone, sentiment, readability, accessibility, and buyer journey impact,” (Malinowski, Punishill). According to a survey conducted for the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages (ACTFL), the demand for foreign language skills in most U.S. industries is expected to persist, making the diverse roles within translation and localization services a fertile ground for bi/multilingual professionals capable of transforming content into an asset for global reach.
As a professional that commands more than one language, you can expand your knowledge within the language services industry and consistently deliver high-quality work in any position you choose. Consider reaching out to Language Testing International (LTI) to assess your linguistic capabilities. With 30 years of experience, LTI offers legally defensible language credentials in over 120 languages. Their accurate assessments in writing, listening, reading, and speaking determine the specific proficiency level of each test taker. LTI’s remotely proctored tests make language assessments accessible anytime, anywhere.
Sources
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the Lead with Languages Campaign commissioned Ipsos Public Affairs, with the support of Pearson LLC and Language Testing International. (2019). “Making Languages Our Business: Addressing Foreign Language Demand Among U.S. Employers.” https://www.actfl.org/uploads/files/general/MakingLanguagesOurBusiness_FullReport.pdf
Malinowski, Kajetan & Punishill, Jaime. “The Future of the Localization Industry.” Multilingual. https://multilingual.com/issues/january-february-2021/the-future-of-the-localization-industry/
Timofejeva, Gita. “Translation and Localization: what’s the difference?” Lokalise. November 9, 2021. https://lokalise.com/blog/translation-and-localization-difference/
