Traditional Chinese software localization is the process of adapting the language, appearance, and functionality of a software application for Chinese-speaking markets. Chinese software localization projects should be executed by experienced teams of localization professionals who work in conjunction with your software development group, ensuring that best practices for global software development are followed.

To make your software relevant for Chinese-speaking markets, all of its components should be localized. This includes the user interface, online help, databases, graphics, and documentation. It is important that all components are correctly localized and rigorously tested to ensure the resulting Chinese software is linguistically, culturally, cosmetically, and functionally correct.

A Chinese localization company should have solid experience and a comprehensive Traditional Chinese software localization methodology, which includes at a minimum:

• Chinese localization kit review, analysis, and preparation.
• Chinese glossary and terminology development.
• Chinese cultural correctness assessment.
• Chinese translation, editing, and proofreading of the user interface, help, and documentation content.
• Chinese graphics localization, dialog resizing, and screen capturing.
• Chinese software build capability.
• Chinese online quality assurance.
• Chinese usability, localization, and functionality testing.
• Client review and approval.

You will need to provide your localization company with the following information, collectively referred to as a “Chinese Localization Kit.” This information allows the localization company to analyze your software and to determine its Chinese localization requirements. The kit includes:

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

© Copyright 2024 Globalization Partners International.
® All Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
All graphics used in this report were provided by Flikr, Google Images and other free internet resources for pictures.