Localization Testing with Example | Importance & Applications

What is Localization Testing?

Before we look into localization testing with examples, first let’s figure out the concepts. The process of testing software or a website for suitability for a specific target audience in a given place or country is known as localization testing. The goal of localization testing is to confirm that the program or website is accurately translated & tailored to the target audience's culture, language, & other pertinent traits. It is a technique for assessing a globalized application where the user interface, default language, currency, date format, & documentation are all customized for the target country or region. It ensures that the application is appropriate for use in the relevant country.

This testing cycles look at how a program behaves in a specific region, community, or culture. The purpose of localization testing is to confirm that the linguistic & cultural traits of a piece of software are appropriate for a particular locale. It is the procedure of customizing software for a certain language & nation. Content & user interface are significantly impacted by localization testing.

It's crucial to remember that localization entails more than just straightforward translation into several languages. While localization testing has a much broader definition than linguistic testing, the former mostly involves looking for translation, spelling, and grammatical issues. Testing for localization takes into account images, iconography, color schemes, time, and currency formats, among dozens of other tiny elements.

A look at Localization Testing with Example:

As an illustration, suppose you have created an online store that serves clients from various nations. You must adapt the website to each locale by translating the material into the local language, using local currency & date/time formats, & abiding by local rules & regulations to make it more appealing & user-friendly to clients in each nation.

To undertake localization testing on an e-commerce website, you would need to test all of its variants to make sure that the features & content are accurately translated & function as expected in each target location. Additionally, you would need to make sure that the user interface & functionality of the website are adjusted to the cultural preferences of the intended audience, including the use of suitable colors, images, & symbols. Overall, localization testing makes sure that your website or product satisfies the requirements & standards of your overseas clients.

Why Localization is Important?

Customers become more devoted to your brand when it is properly localized. Here are some statistics that support our argument: 72.1% of internet users say they prefer to shop on websites that are available in their native tongue. Even individuals who are fluent in English still like using their native language to browse the web.

Testing for localization makes sure that websites & apps that are accessible from abroad are of the highest caliber. Consider making an app that is available in English, Russian, & German. You have the utmost confidence that the grammar & spelling are accurate because you only work with the best translators. But then you discover that the German text is too large for some app buttons, or that the time & date formats on the website are incorrect for your location.

A typical localization test involves a preparatory phase, Regional and cultural check, Linguistic check, and UI or appearance checks which we have explained in our other posts in detail. If you are looking for a reliable third-party localization testing services provider, WeTest is the way to go. Discover their Interface Display Tests, Language Semantic Testing, Audio and Video Testing, and detailed Cultural Compliance Testing services.

Benefits of Localization Testing

1. Testing is less expensive overall.

2. Overall, assistance is less expensive.

3. Decreases the time spent testing.

4. It offers greater flexibility and scalability.

Cons of Localization Testing

1. A subject matter expert is needed.

2. Hiring a local translator is frequently unaffordable.

3. The way that DBCS characters are stored differs by nation.

4. There may be scheduling issues for a tester.

Wrapping Up:

This article stressed localization testing with the example we just stated above. Software engineers perform localization testing to make sure a product responds to local conditions or culture. Content and user interface are significantly impacted by localization testing. The tester looks for grammatical errors, cultural sensitivity in the user interface, language challenges, and other problems.