{"id":50964,"date":"2024-06-26T20:20:10","date_gmt":"2024-06-26T19:20:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ga.agency\/?p=50964"},"modified":"2026-05-25T18:58:48","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T16:58:48","slug":"localisation-vs-translation","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/ga.agency\/en\/blog\/localisation-vs-translation\/","title":{"rendered":"Localisation vs Translation: What Is the Exact Difference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cThink global, act local<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This popular business quote captures the essence of why understanding the difference between localisation and translation is crucial for international businesses. In the 21st century, the world is interconnected like never before and for this reason the way content is adapted for different markets can significantly impact a company’s success.<\/strong> Despite this, localisation is still often underestimated and not-so-well understood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what exactly differentiates localisation from translation, and how can localisation benefit your business? Let\u2019s dive into these processes to uncover the best strategies for achieving international success.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span>Localisation and Translation Services: The Main Differences<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Simply put, the key difference between these processes is that translation changes the language, while localisation is a comprehensive adaptation for natives<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s explore all the elements that change between a website localisation and a translation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Text, Layout & Formatting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In translation, the primary focus is on converting text from one language to another while maintaining accuracy and clarity. Localisation extends beyond mere translation by adapting the text to fit cultural references, idiomatic expressions, and regional variations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think about slogans, colloquial expressions and jokes: the way they are communicated in English can vary greatly in French. Also, the versions of your website adapted for your American, Australian, or British audience should differ in terms of spelling, vocabulary usage, and other linguistic aspects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, localisation involves adjusting layout and formatting elements to accommodate linguistic differences and suit local aesthetic preferences.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Numbers & Data<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While in translation, we don\u2019t change the numerical values directly, when you localise a text, it\u2019s necessary to adapt units of measurement, currency formats, and date\/time conventions to align with local standards<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This ensures that numerical data remains meaningful and relevant to the target audience through different countries and regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Visuals & Colours<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While translation typically does not alter images or graphics, localisation may involve changing visuals, also symbols and icons, to reflect local culture and nuances. <\/strong>This includes adapting colours to avoid cultural taboos and misunderstandings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s take an example with the colour white. In Europe and in the most Western World this colour refers to something pure and peaceful. While in Asia, white is mostly linked to death and sadness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, you have to ensure that images resonate with the target audience. Perhaps you have changed the text and consequently need to adjust the visual reference, or simply the images do not convey the same message to the target audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image by \u041d\u0430\u0442\u0430\u043b\u0438\u044f \u041a\u043e\u0433\u0443\u0442 from Pixabay<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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<\/span>Translation vs Localisation vs Transcreation<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Translation, localisation, and transcreation are strategies that aim to make content accessible in a language other than the one it was originally created in, but the processes and the results are quite different.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Translation is the process of converting text from one language into another while preserving its original meaning. <\/strong>This process focuses on linguistic accuracy, ensuring that the translated content is a faithful representation of the source text. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just translation is most appropriate for documents where the primary goal is to convey information clearly and accurately. Examples include legal documents, technical manuals, scientific research papers and standardised business communications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Localisation goes further. It is the process of adapting content to fit the cultural, linguistic, and functional expectations of a specific target market. <\/strong>This involves not only translating the text but also adjusting other elements, and even the overall tone to overcome linguistic and cultural barriers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Translation can be considered part of the localisation process. However, you might need to take another step of localisation: transcreation. Transcreation conveys brand messages more accurately than a word-for-word translation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It involves creatively adapting content while focusing on preserving the original message’s intent and emotion, by maintaining brand consistency. This process is particularly useful in marketing and advertising to ensure that the brand message resonates with different audiences.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo from Unsplash<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Examples of Translation vs Localisation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some examples of successful localisation efforts are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n