As a global business operating in different countries, localizing your content is a must. Localizing your website, software, or mobile application can give you a competitive advantage in the global market and help you reach new audiences worldwide. However, you might be wondering what the terms "l10n" and "i18n" mean.

In this article, we’ll explain the difference between l10n and i18n and how they are essential components of the localization process.

What is l10n?

L10n stands for "localization." It is the process of adapting products or content to meet the language, culture, and other specific requirements of a particular country or region. Localization involves translating content into the language of the target market, but it goes beyond that. It also involves adapting the content to the cultural norms and preferences of the target market, such as time formats, currency, and measurement units.

Localization is crucial for businesses that want to expand into new markets. It allows them to create content that resonates with their target audience, establishes trust, and ensures that users have a seamless experience with their products or services.

But how do you know which localization agency to partner with? Check out our Tips for Choosing the Right Localization Agency for Your Video Game for expert advice on what to consider before making a decision.

What is i18n?

I18n stands for "internationalization." It refers to the process of designing software, websites, and mobile apps in a way that enables them to be easily adapted to different languages and cultures without requiring major changes to the codebase.

Internationalization involves separating the core functionality of the product from the localizable content. By doing this, developers can build products that are designed with localization in mind, making it easier and more cost-effective to adapt them for different regions and languages.

One common mistake businesses make when developing software or applications is overlooking internationalization until it's too late. This can lead to costly and time-consuming efforts to retrofit products for localization. Our Ultimate Guide to High-Quality Video Game Localization with TEP can teach you how to avoid these common mistakes and ensure you deliver a high-quality product to your users from the start.

In the next section, we’ll explore the key differences between l10n and i18n.

Key Differences Between l10n and i18n

The terms l10n and i18n are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different parts of the localization process.

Scope

L10n involves adapting content and products for specific locales, which include language, culture, and other related factors. In contrast, i18n involves designing products with a global audience in mind.

Timing

L10n is typically the last step in the localization process, and it comes after completing i18n. Without proper i18n processes implemented, l10n can be time-consuming, expensive, and ineffective.

Methods

L10n is accomplished by using specific translation and cultural adaptation methods, depending on the locale being targeted. On the other hand, i18n requires developers to follow specific coding and design guidelines to ensure that localizing the product will require minimal changes to the codebase.

Goals

L10n aims to meet specific language and cultural needs of users in a particular locale. In contrast, i18n aims to provide a core product that can be easily adapted to a wide range of locales, thus reaching a global audience.

Benefits

L10n provides businesses with the opportunity to expand into new markets and increase their customer base. By localizing content, businesses can create content that's adapted to local languages and cultures. Meanwhile, i18n helps companies save time and money by providing global templates and building products that can easily be adapted to specific locales without major changes to the codebase.

To make the most of your localization efforts, it's crucial to work with a professional localization agency that can help you navigate the intricacies of l10n and i18n. At LCP Localizations, we specialize in video game localization and language services for businesses of all sizes. You can check out our Languages page to see the languages we support or Services page to learn more about what we offer.

In the next section, we’ll discuss the importance of high-quality localization for video games and how it can make a difference for your business.

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