Development and Evaluation of Localization Training Software

Abstract

While software localization and internationalization are inseparable processes, they are often done in different locations by different professionals: translators and developers. This division of labor causes problems such as translators not having a chance to check the context when they translate software user interfaces (UIs) or not having the knowledge of internationalization. This paper introduces software that is designed to allow translators to translate UIs and check the context and result instantly. The software can also be used to teach different elements in different locales (e.g., calendar, date, number formats) and how to use CAT tools. Although the result of a small questionnaire study shows that the software has a certain level of educational effectiveness, further research is needed to determine its effectiveness.