What does Localization mean?

I'm trying understand what does localization mean. To my understanding it, here is my explanation and correct if I'm wrong. If a software for example Adobe software has multiple language, it means it can be switch to praticular languages like Spainish, Chinese, and English. The application can be switch to any of those language, including menu, without no wierd character on the application. I'm wondering what is localization do or does? I know, I'm dumb.
If anyone can give a good explanation of it.

Thank you
Luis

20 iMac G5 PPC 1GB Ram, Mac OS X (10.4.6), iBook 500, 784 Ram

Posted on Jul 17, 2006 3:12 AM

Reply
3 replies

Jul 17, 2006 3:29 AM in response to Luis Casale

I'm trying understand what does localization mean. To
my understanding it, here is my explanation and
correct if I'm wrong. If a software for example Adobe
software has multiple language, it means it can be
switch to praticular languages like Spainish,
Chinese, and English.


Yes, localization means that the menus and dialogues for a particular application or the OS can be switched to the language used locally. For example, OS X itself comes with 15 localizations -- they are switched by changing the topmost item in system prefs/international/languages. Most Apple applications, such as Mail, also have multiple localizations, and they will switch automatically to match that of the OS. Some apps, like AppleWorks, only come in one language at a time, and for a different localization you need to install a different version of the app.

Localization has nothing to do with whether you can type or read a particular language in a particular app.

Jul 17, 2006 4:19 AM in response to Luis Casale

Okay! So if I would buy an like Adobe in Japanese and
install on OS X, it will be fully in English?


You will need to ask Adobe about that. Like I said, some apps come in only one language at a time, and in that case, you would need to buy another version of the app to have English menus, etc. Neither OS X nor Apple have anything to do with whether Adobe apps come with multiple localizations. You might want to ask in the Adobe forums:

http://www.adobe.com/support/forums/

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What does Localization mean?

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