Recently updated on January 12th, 2024 at 10:31 am
Software translation and localization includes more than simple content translation from one language to another. To make your mark in the Chinese market and deliver a more pleasant user experience, you need to localize your software by integrating sociology-cultural aspects in addition to a language transformation. And that’s why you need professional software translation and localization services for the Chinese market. Translation and localization of software in Chinese provides long-term results and a higher probability to increase market share and revenue.
In this article, we’ll review:
Table of Contents
- What is Software Localization?
- Why Do You Need Software Translation and Localization for the Chinese Market?
- What Are the Benefits of Software Translation and Localization for the Chinese Market?
- Software Translation and Localization Services by Chinese Copywriter
- English-Chinese Glossary of Software Terms
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Software Localization?
Software localization is the process of modifying software to adapt to the needs and preferences of users in a different geographic region. Translation solutions are often the main component of this process but providers take other aspects into consideration such as adapting to local regulations and cultural differences.
Why Do You Need Software Translation and Localization for the Chinese Market?
The rapidly evolving IT industry demands high-quality software translation and localization services that will help companies communicate their message to global markets.
The Chinese language is one of the top 10 languages that brings maximum revenue for global corporations because of its huge population base and stunning purchasing power. No matter how innovative your app is, you won’t be able to maximize its worth if you don’t localize it. That is if you plan to market it in the mainland.
In the last decade, China’s software market has experienced impressive growth and has become a key industry in the country’s economy as a whole. The Software as a Service (SaaS) market in China is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world and the current boom has only really begun. In the first half of 2020, China’s software industry posted 6.7% year-on-year revenue growth, showing a positive resumption of work and production. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, in the first half of 2020, the country’s software industry generated sales revenue of 3.56 trillion yuan (approximately $508 billion), an increase of 6.7% year-on-year and 12.9% points higher than the first quarter of the year
What Are the Benefits of Software Translation and Localization for the Chinese Market?
According to APCO worldwide report, China’s software market has expanded quickly over the past few years, with particularly strong growth in Beijing, Dalian, Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces. China is expected to be the world’s fastest-growing enterprise software market over the next three years. Enterprise resource planning (ERP), accounting, and supply chain management (SCM) software are the biggest market sectors. Localizing your software for the Chinese market is proven to be extremely beneficial.
- Reaching to a growing and thriving segmented market
- Users can correctly understand and use your product
- Brand exposure and local social/community contribution
Software Translation and Localization Services by Chinese Copywriter
Chinese Copywriter applies best practices of the software industry and the latest technological tools to expedite and automate the process while retaining human expertise and project management skills throughout.
5 Easy Steps to Software Translation and Localization
Following are the key steps that comprise software localization and the creation of a globally sound software product.
Total Time: 3 days
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Step 1 – Glossary Creation
The creation of a Glossary is a fundamental step in the process of localizing software as well as technical translation. This cornerstone translation resource is created by identifying and categorizing similar text strings to provide a common reference which saves time and money as it can be used in current and future translation projects and processes.
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Step 2 – Translation and Editing
Each of the glossary items must be translated, usually by a combination of automated and human resources. The process usually involves independent rounds of editing and proofreading to ensure that each text string is linguistically correct, accurately descriptive, technically exact, and culturally appropriate.
Translation of texts is just the first step; businesses should go further with software localization to make sure all the elements in the app are culturally and contextually relevant!
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Step 3 – UI Adaptation
Applying and adapting the text strings to the user interface is a complex and painstaking process. The UI adapters must combine skills in interface design, understanding of the software, and expert translation skills. This process involves several iterative rounds to produce an optimal result.
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Step 4 – Holistic Testing
Localization testing ensures that the quality of the localized application matches that of the source product. Once localized, software should be verified on various user platforms to see if the translated versions operate smoothly, and the text has been applied correctly.
Our holistic testing approach consists of linguistic testing and cosmetic testing. Linguistic testing is a double check of the translated software, systematically verifying each translated line of text for accuracy. While cosmetic testing is also an essential step to ensure the localized software is free of truncation, misalignment, and other layout issues. Our subject matter Chinese copywriters and engineers will work together to examine the localized software for common mistakes and iron out any issues.
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Step 5 – Project Delivery
Delivery of each new language version as part of a multilingual release involves additional rounds of “soft” alpha and beta testing before a hard product launch.
Types of Software Translation We Work With
We have extensive experience in software localization services for all kinds of software products. This includes:
- Localization of the software User Interface (UI), resource files
- Translation of software documentation, User Manuals, User’s Guides
- Translation of online help
- Translation of websites, web pages, and web portals
- Localization of iPhone apps, apps for smartphones and tablets
- Translation of XML, HTML and database files
Software localization is not the only key to success in the Chinese market. It is a contributing factor, but behind the statistics proving the profitability of the market, there are still barriers and concerns that should be considered before diving into the local market.
English-Chinese Glossary of Software Terms
The following is a brief list of commonly used software terms.
| English | Chinese |
| cross-distribution | 交叉分配 |
| cumbersome | 麻烦 |
| custom and bound images | 定制和绑定图像 |
| deserialize | 解串 |
| discontinue on | 停止日期 |
| dispatcher | 分派器 |
| disposition | 配置 |
| distribution template | 分配模板 |
| domain experience | 专业经验 |
| duration remaining | 剩余时间 |
| engine-neutral | 与引擎无关的 |
| turn loose on your database | 应用到您的数据库上 |
| “slow time” conversation | 非实时会话 |
| a 4 x 3 aspect ratio | 4×3 宽高比 |
| a keyboard-pattern projector | 键盘图案显示激光器 |
| a notion of components | 组件的概念 |
| a site license | 团体许可证 |
| approval routing | 许可路由 |
| asynchrony | 异步操作 |
| authoring content | 创作内容 |
| authoring language | 编辑语言 |
| authorization line | 确认行 |
| browser only PC | 仅安装浏览器的个人计算机 |
| bucketize | 归类/分类 |
| cache | 高速缓存 |
| English | Chinese |
| capacity systems | 高容量系统 |
| colour reduction | 色彩减 |
| combo box | 组合框 |
| command train | 指令串 |
| crash recovery | 崩溃恢复 |
| event handler | 事件处理程序 |
| field | 字段 |
filter | 筛选器 |
| floating palette | 浮动选项板 |
| gradient | 背景色渐变 |
| graphical cues | 图形提示 |
| hierarchy archive | 分级存档 |
| Host System Reverse Location | 主机系统反向寻址 |
| Integration Composite Application Network | 整合的组合式应用网络 |
| Intelligent bursting | 智能分发 |
| Intuitive user interface | 直观的用户界面 |
| invalidate entry | 废止条目 |
| patch prioritization | 补丁优选 |
| positive authentication | 有效验证 |
| property bag | 属性包 |
| refined version | 完善版本 |
| reliable messaging | 可靠传讯 |
| replication features | 复制特性 |
| watch wizard | 监视向导 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is software translation and localization?
Software translation and localization is the process of translating and adapting your software culturally, linguistically, and legally appropriate for users who speak a different language in another geographic region.
How big is the software market in China?
The revenue of China’s software industry grew from about 2.5 trillion yuan ($370 billion) to about 9.5 trillion yuan with an annual growth rate of 16.1 percent from 2012 to 2021.
How to optimize Chinese software user experience?
Here are a few ways to optimize the user experience for Chinese software users:
· Use Simplified Chinese characters and traditional Chinese characters where appropriate
· Use a layout and design that is consistent with Chinese cultural norms
· Provide clear and concise instructions and labels in Chinese
· Use Chinese-specific idioms, colloquialism and cultural references
· Test the software with Chinese users to get feedback and identify any usability issues
· Consider the local context and regulations when developing the software.
How to use Chinese influencers for software localization?
Here are a few ways to use Chinese influencers for software translation and localization:
· Partner with Chinese influencers to promote the software to their followers
· Invite Chinese influencers to test the software and provide feedback on the user experience
· Collaborate with Chinese influencers to create customized content for the software
· Use Chinese influencers to generate buzz and excitement for new software releases or updates
· Leverage Chinese influencers to help localize the software
· Use Chinese influencers to conduct online Q&A sessions, live streaming, and other interactive activities to engage with users and provide support
How to use Chinese consumer data for software translation and localization?
Here are a few ways to use Chinese consumer data for software translation and localization:
· Understand the language preferences of your target market
· Analyze user behavior
· Conduct user research
· Use data from social media
· Use Machine learning and AI for natural language processing
What are the key differences between Chinese and Western software?
There are a number of key differences between Chinese and Western software, including:
· User interface and design
· Functionality
· Social Media and e-commerce integration
· Language and character support
· Payment integration
· Privacy and security concerns
What are the common mistakes in software translation and localization for the Chinese market?
Some common mistakes in software translation and localization for the Chinese market include:
· Not properly handling the Chinese characters
· Not adapting the layout and design of the software to suit Chinese users’ preferences and cultural norms
· Not testing the localized software thoroughly with Chinese users to catch any remaining issues or bugs
Translator
Ouyang is a seasoned Chinese translator with 13 years of experience. With proficiency in translating for tourism, cosmetics, textiles, electronics, footwear, kitchenware, legal fields, and more, she helps businesses thrive in the Chinese market. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.