In defense of localization

Channel:

Arve Eriksson

Subscribers:

92

Published on March 31, 2024 4:37:45 AM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEBJvA1bcN8

Duration: 38:35

5 views

0

This is all unscripted, which I expect shows quite clearly. Since localization has been, shall we say, denigrated in some corners of the internet, and since I actually do localization in my spare time, I would like to provide some more information on the process, and how that differs from translation.
... And I make a disjointed mess of it. If you want me to elaborate on anything, do say so in the comments and I will happily do so - this is all a most superficial run-down, after all. Once my voice has recovered, that is.

Gah, figuring out how to not dox myself anymore than I already have was an absolute nightmare... Open source video editors, get your &#&$ together! :-P

The TL;DR:
- Localization typically involves adapting original, fixed bits of text to the target language with verious restrictions.
- Translation has greater freedom, but also greater complexity and responsibility. I haven't been able to confirm whether the title is legally protected, but the university education programme is purely on the master's degree level.
- Localizers often work in teams, with supervision and reviews.
- My personal experience from freelance localization is that there is *always* a deadline, where my impression of translation is that it is more free. I have not confirmed this, though.
- Mistakes happen. The review process might glitch. Intentional warping of the original message to the point that the message is lost entirely is a very bad practice.