kohdekieltä

Kohdekieltä, in translation studies and localization, refers to the language into which a text or content is translated. It is the language intended for end users or readers. This concept is contrasted with lähdekieltä, the source language from which the content originates. In practice, kohdekieli also denotes the primary language of a product’s target audience, which may require regional variants or dialect adaptations.

In professional translation and localization work, kohdekielen suitability is assessed through accuracy, fluency, and cultural adaptation. Translators render the meaning of the source text into natural and appropriate wording for the target audience, while reviewers check for adequacy and style. In localization, additional adjustments may be made to align with local norms, legal requirements, and user expectations. Machine translation often produces text in the kohdekieli, with post-editing by humans to ensure quality.

For software, websites, and digital products, kohdekielen coverage extends beyond mere translation to include localization of user interfaces, help files, and documentation. This involves handling language-specific features such as plural forms, gender, date and number formats, and text expansion or contraction. Effective kohdekielen implementation requires glossary management, terminology consistency, and a well-defined localization workflow.

Examples include translating a Finnish user manual into English or localizing a mobile app for Spanish-speaking users in Spain and in Latin America. The choice and management of kohdekieltä are central to reaching and serving the intended audience accurately.