kielikohtaiset

Kielikohtaiset is a Finnish term that describes features, content, or data that are specific to a particular language. It is an adjective formed from the words kieli, meaning language, and kohtainen, meaning pertaining to or appropriate for. In practice, kielikohtaiset elements are those that vary depending on which language is being considered, as opposed to universal or language-agnostic aspects.

Common usages occur in linguistics, localization, and information technology. In linguistics, kielikohtaiset phenomena refer to language-specific patterns, such as phonology, morphology, or syntax that do not generalize across languages. In localization and translation, kielikohtaiset content includes text, terminology, or instructions that must be adapted to fit the target language, including word choices, idioms, formal levels, and orthography. In software and web design, kielikohtaiset settings or files denote resources that change with language, such as translations, date formats, or currency conventions.

Examples include kielikohtaiset ohjeet (language-specific instructions), kielikohtaiset termistöt (language-specific terminology), and kielikohtaiset asetukset (language-specific settings). The concept is closely linked to localization (l10n) and internationalization (i18n), highlighting the need to tailor content to linguistic norms rather than applying a single, universal presentation.

Limitations of the concept stem from the complexity of language meaning and variation, which may extend beyond strict language boundaries to dialects, registers, and cultural context. See also localization, translation, and multilingual content.