Arabic Software Internationalization

Arabic software globalization (G11n) is a two-step process which includes Arabic software internationalization (I18n) and Arabic software localization (L10n). Software internationalization deals primarily with the functionality of a software application, enabling back-end technologies to function or support the Arabic language and the locales in which it is used. Localization deals primarily with the front-end or linguistic and cosmetic aspects of a software application including locale-specific content, cultural correctness, translations, and software design.

The software internationalization process is the first step in ensuring your software application's global interoperability. During software internationalization, any language- or culture-specific assumptions in your software application's code base are "neutralized"; your application will then be primed for efficient localization into Arabic.

Your localization company should have solid experience in handling Arabic software internationalization issues, including:

  • Reviewing and analyzing the source code for a software application;
  • Ensuring the support of the bidirectional (right-to-left) writing system used by Arabic;
  • Resolving issues related to Arabic address, time, date, currency, and numerical formats;
  • Externalizing text strings for ease of Arabic translation, including hard-coded text strings and text within graphics;
  • Software testing, including bug reporting and fixing.

You will need to provide your localization company with the following information, collectively referred to as a "Software Internationalization Kit." This information allows your localization company to analyze your software and to determine its Arabic internationalization requirements. This kit includes:

  1. All files in your development environment, specifically resource files (for example, RC, RC2, DLG, H, HH, CPP, EXE, DLL, and graphic file formats).
  2. All documentation source files (for example, FrameMaker or Word).
  3. All online help source files (for example, graphics, RTF, VBS, HTML, CNT/HHX/HHC).
  4. Reference material (glossaries, past translations, style guides, etc.).
  5. File names and types, including an explanation of each file's purpose.
  6. The name and version of development, documentation, and online help authoring tools.
  7. The location (directories/files) of any hard-coded literals which are in the user interface.
  8. Original files of any third-party applications/components used.
  9. Detailed build instructions (if applicable).
  10. Test plan and test scripts (if applicable).

For more information on Software Internationalization, please see our Quick Facts Library or follow one of the links listed above.