Localization vs. localisation: Understanding the nuance in spelling

Which is correct, localization or localisation? When should you use which term? What is the localization/localisation process? Find out here.

When expanding into global markets, one of the key challenges companies face is the process of localization or, as some prefer, localisation. So, does it matter how you spell it? Is one spelling preferred over the other in different contexts? And, crucially, what is localization?

Let’s dive into these questions and more, exploring the differences between U.S. English and International English spelling, as well as when to use each variation.

U.S. English spelling vs. international English spelling

Firstly, let's tackle the spelling conundrum. The term localization is generally associated with U.S. English, while localisation is tied to British English and International English. The difference lies in the number of letters used in the words, with “z” (American English) and “s” (British and International English) being the key distinction. This is a common difference found in many words, such as globalization/globalisation and internationalization/internationalisation.

Does it matter how you spell localization or localisation?

Despite the difference in spelling, both terms refer to the same concept: adapting a product, service, or content to fit a specific local market. Whether you use localization or localisation largely depends on your target audience and the variety of English they use. For instance, if your target market primarily uses American English, such as in the U.S., it would make sense to use localization. However, if your target market uses British English or another form of International English, localisation would be more appropriate.

What is localization?

Localization is a crucial aspect of international business strategy. It involves adapting a product or service to meet the needs and preferences of a specific locale, taking into account different languages, cultures, legal requirements, and more. This process goes beyond simple translation and considers the user experience in the broader context of their culture, native language, and local customs.

Localization applies to a range of content, from websites to software to social media. Website localization, for example, might involve adapting the user interface, SEO practices, and time formats to fit the local market. Similarly, software localization might involve adjusting character encoding to accommodate different languages such as Arabic, Spanish, Hebrew, or Korean, all of which have unique character sets and, in the case of Arabic and Hebrew, right-to-left writing systems.

Localization also involves adapting to cultural nuances. For instance, idioms, humor, and references that make sense in one culture may not translate well to another. In these cases, the translated text needs to be carefully localized to convey the intended meaning while remaining culturally sensitive.

The localization process

Localization can be a time-consuming and complex task, often requiring the use of translation management systems, including subtitles and dubbing. These systems help manage multilingual content, facilitating the localization process. Localization services may also be needed, offering expertise in areas such as resource file management, ISO standards compliance, Unicode usage, and local legal requirements.

Part of the localization process also involves dealing with various formats like date formats, number formats, and time zones which may vary across different countries.

When to use localization or localisation

As previously mentioned, the choice between localization and localisation largely depends on your target audience and the variety of English they use. However, this decision should also be informed by your broader localization strategy. For instance, if you aim to enter new markets that primarily use American English, you may want to favor the “z” spelling across your digital assets, even if your current audience uses British English.

In conclusion, whether you use localization or localisation isn't just a matter of American vs. British English. It's a decision that should reflect your understanding of your target audience and your localization strategy. Ultimately, this small detail is a part of your broader efforts to provide a user experience that is accessible, relevant, and engaging for your global audience.

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