Computer Tools in the Teaching of Translators as Website Localization Professionals

Abstract

Website localization constitutes a new field of study and professional intervention. Localization can be described as a global process in which globalization and internationalization come together in an effort to prepare a particular product for a particular locale. We could define locale as the collection of features of the user's environment that is dependent on language, country/region, and cultural conventions. Locales usually provide more information about cultural conventions than about languages. As a result, the term localization remains irremediably linked to the concept of culture. Correct localization cannot be achieved without knowing and bearing in mind the locale to which it is directed. It is also necessary to point out that localization is a modality of translation. Localization involves translation of textual content into language and textual conventions of the target locale and adaptation of non-textual content as well as input, output and delivery mechanisms to take into account the cultural, technical and regulatory requirements of that locale. In sum, localization is not so much about specific tasks as it is about the processes by which products are adapted. The translation process requires language professionals to perform various roles, completing each stage on time and undertaking multiple tasks in order to meet the conditions for delivery of the translation in accordance with a series of quality parameters [1-10]. For its part, localization involves a variety of agents in the localization process, though their number may vary from a single person responsible for the entire process to a multiplicity of agents in large organizations, including business managers, localization managers, localization engineers, terminologists, locators, quality control operators and freelance translators, among others. The process also varies considerably depending on the nature of the project, the technologies involved, the resources available and even the type of translation process employed. The particularities of this translation modality make the use of translation tools, also known by the acronym CAT (Computer Assisted Translation) tools, a necessity. Furthermore, we should not forget that these particularities complicate the translation process in terms of the time and effort required. In order to raise the students of the Bachelor's Degree in Translation and Interpretation to the level required by this hyper-competitive market, production times must be reduced, and this is where CAT tools come into their own. While professional website translators-localisers form part of a complex team, they often do not participate in the decisions taken in the primary stages of web localization. With this in mind we must forget the concept of the localiser as an isolated element and begin to see them as an integral part of a complex production chain. With the right training a web content translator may be qualified to carry out several of these functions. In any case they would always have a wide range of CAT tools a...

Competencia comunicativa y nuevas tecnologías en el proceso de localización web: modelo MDPT para la formación de profesionales en localización.

“…En este trabajo se presenta el Modelo Profesional para la Didáctica de la Traducción (MPDT) (Gutiérrez-Artacho y , 2017a, 2017b, 2018Olvera-Lobo et al, 2005, 2007a, 2007b, 2008, 2009a, 2009b, 2010, 2013, 2014a, 2014b, 2014c, 2017a, 2017bRobinson et al, , 2016aRobinson et al, , 2016b) revisado y adaptado a las nuevas necesidades de este perfil profesional de modo que aúne la competencia comunicativa completa y el uso de las TIC ofreciendo un entorno de enseñanza-aprendizaje innovador, en sintonía con la realidad de la generación de nativos y nativas digitales, que contribuya a facilitar la adquisición de competencias por parte de los estudiantes y a incrementar su compromiso respecto a su formación (Olvera-Lobo y Gutiérrez-Artacho, 2017a, 2017b).…”

Localization of the SureWash Pocket® mobile health app to Brazilian Portuguese

“…The process of localizing the SureWash Pocket® mobile health app followed the main international and national parameters for adapting instruments (14)(15) , considering the specific concepts that permeate the software adaptation process (8,9,13,17) . This methodological path allows for the elaboration or improvement of instruments, devices or measurement methods, ensuring their reliable and precise use in other contexts, with other populations.…”

“…Software localization is part of a complex process that allows a product to reach any market, regardless of language or culture. The acronym GILT, Globalization, Internationalization, Localization and Translation, is used to refer to the set of tasks and strategies that allow for the development of a global digital product, that is, adaptable to the language of different countries and cultures (8) .…”

“…A number of studies that discuss software localization indicate the importance of professionals with technical and linguistic skills in the translation process; however, there are no guidelines for this stage, which can even be outsourced (18) . In addition, some issues are considered before and during localization, as they influence the translation process that will be adopted; for example, the nature of the project, the technologies involved, time, and the human and financial resources available (8) .…”

“…In addition, software internationalization and localization are two concepts that are part of the globalization cycle and the DICTs are incorporated in this universe (8) . Specifically, object of this investigation, software localization is defined as the process of adapting a software app to a specific international market, which includes the translation of the user interface, resizing dialog boxes, and customizing resources and test results to ensure the program works in the target language.…”