Localizaciónlocalização

Localizaciónlocalização is a term that combines the Spanish word localización and the Portuguese word localização, both referring to localization—the process of adapting content and products to a specific locale or market. It involves translating text and also adjusting cultural, technical, and regulatory aspects to fit local expectations and norms.

Localization encompasses translation, cultural adaptation, and compliance with local conventions, including date and time formats, currency, numbering, address formats, units of measure, and legal requirements. It applies to software, websites, mobile apps, video games, multimedia, documentation, and marketing materials. Localization is closely related to internationalization (i18n), the practice of designing products so they can be easily localized later. The shorthand L10n is commonly used to denote localization work.

Common steps in a localization workflow include extracting translatable content, translating and editing, terminology management, engineering for formatting and user interface considerations, linguistic and functional quality assurance, and integration and deployment in the target environment. Locale codes such as en-US, es-ES, pt-BR, and related standards (IETF BCP 47) guide language and region identification, while translation memories, glossaries, and style guides support consistency. Tools for testing and automation help verify linguistic accuracy and functional compatibility.

Challenges in localization include preserving meaning and tone across dialects and registers, handling pluralization rules, adapting layouts for longer text, managing right-to-left scripts, and complying with local laws and consumer expectations. Differences between Spanish-speaking markets (e.g., es-ES, es-MX) and Portuguese-speaking markets (e.g., pt-PT, pt-BR) illustrate the need for nuanced localization strategies.