Inarra txarragaz, baztarrak lohi: internazionalizatu gabeko produktu informatikoak lokalizatzearen arazoak

Abstract

This paper explores some of the problems translator-localizers face when trying to translate-localize software that has not been properly internationalized. After defining the key concepts of internationalization and localization, the paper goes on to discuss, with the aid of real examples, the main causes for those problems: (1) a rigid software design that does not account for the different structures of the languages involved in the localization process, and deprives translators from the contextual information essential to their work; (2) the poor quality of the source language, resulting in obscure texts, terminological and phraseological incoherence, unnecessary polysemia and synonymia etc.; and (3) an inadequate interface design, whose inflexibility does not allow the translator-localizer to adapt the interface elements to the particular needs of the target language.