Arabic is an ancient tongue and one of the most varied languages in the world, with over 400 million speakers globally. It is the fifth most spoken language in the world, with different dialects spoken in different regions. In the global marketplace inter arab trade yields approximately $700 billion, which accounts for 11% of global trade revenue. 

Spoken Arabic varies by region, but the written format follows the same principle. This format is different from the Latin script. In addition, Arabic characters are contextualized, and they move from right to left. Therefore, Arabic localization is very important for accurate and culturally relevant translation for Arabic markets. 

To attract Arabic-speaking customers and clients, especially in the Middle East, you need to get familiar with Arabic localization. Arabic localization is the process of adapting the language, appearance, and functionality of a product or website for Arabic-speaking markets.

In this blog, we will shed light on the challenges businesses face when entering Arabic markets, practical design tips, and clear strategies for accurate and context-aware localization.  

 

Key Challenges in Arabic Localization

Arabic localization can be quite challenging, especially when working with an inexperienced team. However, companies like GPI exist to help you identify key Arabic localization challenges. Accordingly, we will address the issue in three main categories: Arabic website localization challenges, Arabic software localization challenges, and Arabic documentation challenges.

1. Arabic Website Localization Challenges: The path to a successful Arabic website localization isn’t straightforward; it may be difficult to meet the market’s language, culture, and design requirements due to language complexity challenges. There are also cultural nuances, design and layout adaptation, SEO, and keyword challenges. 
2. Arabic Software Localization Challenges: Localizing software for over 300 million Arabic users is key to penetrating the Arabic market. Consequently, this comes with its own unique set of challenges, such as choosing the right language (MSA or other Arabic dialect).  There are also  UI design issues for the right-to-left Arabic writing system, cultural nuances, and high user expectations.
3. Arabic Documentation Challenges: There is a significant difference between formal and informal Arabic. As a result, translators have to leave a big room for nuance when translating documents or creative materials. Since Arabic has several dialects spoken in different regions, coupled with its complex writing style, text length and printing of Arabic fonts may pose a big challenge for inexperienced translators.

 

Practical RTL Design Tips

Right-to-left, often referred to as RTL in the localization space, refers to writing from the right side of a page to the left.  This is common for Arabic and some other languages, such as Hebrew and Urdu.  Below are some expert design tips for RTL webpage design layouts.

• Mirroring

 Mirroring refers to the horizontal flipping of texts, images, icons, and buttons from a standard LTR website to read from right to left. As much as this is important, it is also good to know when to use mirroring and when not to. 

Examples of web elements to mirror

• • Directional icons
  • Logos and navigation buttons
  • Rows and Columns in tables
  • Form Headings
  • Multimedia Control Icons
  • Numbers
  • Dates
  • Icons with foreign language texts

• Good Font Usage

Using multilingual fonts like Google Noto is recommended, as not all fonts are compatible with RTL pages. Another approach to this is to optimize web pages to display languages in different fonts.

• Use HreFlang Tags

Using Hreflang tags helps your website to show appropriate languages to users depending on their location and timezone.  This is particularly important for websites that have different language versions. 

• Ensure Links are Well Formatted

Arabic scripts are written with different characters attached to it. A common one is dots attached to the bottom of a character. Although this makes it difficult to underline hyperlinks as you would for an English website.  A good recommendation is to bolden or italicize hyperlinked texts for easy visibility without altering the script.

• Automate Website Translations

Localizing an existing page or software into Arabic will require translation from left-to-right web pages into Arabic (RTL). It is best to automate this process as translating manually will be time-consuming.

 

Examples of Tricky Arabic Word Translations

Arabic Word	English Pronunciation	Literal Translation	Contextual Meaning
صحتين	sihatayn	This Arabic term means “double health.”	Depending on the context, it can be used to tell someone to “have a great meal.”
يعطيك العافية	Ya‘ṭīk el-‘āfyeh	“May God give you health/energy”	Commonly used to give thanks or show appreciation
تسلم إيدك	Tislam īdak	“Bless your hands.”	Used to complement one’s culinary skills or handwork
نعيماً	Na‘īman	Soft and clean, like saying “Fresh!”	Used for complementing a new glow after one gets a hairdo or spa treatment
يا ساتر	Yā sāter	“Oh, Protector!”	Mostly used to express surprise, fear, or shock, depending on the context.

Clear Strategies for Accurate, Context-Aware Arabic Localization

• Consider Linguistic and Cultural Nuances in your RTL Design

An RTL design that stands out goes beyond flipping images and icons; it is culturally appealing and responsive to the users. For example, Arabic is largely spoken in Muslim locales; therefore, it will be insensitive to use imagery or icons of pigs when passing a message. 

This is because pigs are considered unclean. Also, note that Arabic is written and presented differently across different nations. Numbers may be written using Western Arabic or Eastern Arabic Numerals, so ensure to know what works best for each market you are localizing for before doing your RTL design.

• Use the Right Tools: Combine Human and Machine Efforts

For context-aware Arabic localization, your localization team should leverage machine translation tools and human post-editing to ensure speed, accuracy, and a smooth user experience.

• Implement Good SEO Practices

It is essential to ensure that the localized contents are optimized for search engines for wider reach and visibility in Arabic markets. Keyword research will help you identify words and phrases with large search volume to make informed decisions.  

• Localization of Images and Visual Assets

You do not necessarily have to use the photo of a woman with a hijab to appeal to the Arab market, as most people assume. But rather, being mindful of images, videos, or brand elements that may convey the wrong message is important.

• Use Layouts and CMS  that are Compatible With Arabic

Finding the right layout for RTL scripts can be a bit challenging, but it makes all the difference. In the same way, the CMS has to be compatible with RTL scripts too, to avoid the inconsistent appearance of characters. Therefore, ensure your Arabic localization company uses the best RTL content management software.

 

GPI: An Arabic Localization Company You Can Trust 

GPI has a team of Arabic translators and localization experts who are very knowledgeable about Arabic-speaking regions. Knowing your audience is the most important strategy when it comes to creating for Arabic Markets. Equally important because there are different variations of Arabic. The language and cultural elements you choose to work with are dependent on the region of your target customers. For instance, Saudis may find it difficult to grasp a message if the Algerian Saharan Arabic is used to describe a product or service in Saudi Arabia.  Beyond market knowledge, GPI prioritizes quality, which is why we don’t skip quality assurance tests.

We bring in end users and local speakers to test the localized webpage or software to spot readability and grammatical errors before going live to avoid costly mistakes.

 

Conclusion

To ensure a good user experience for your Arabic software, website, and documentation, it is a good idea to work with an ISO-certified localization company like GPI. GPI  employs native Arabic-speaking teams of localization specialists who understand how to anticipate and solve the myriad potential Arabic localization issues. Get in touch.

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