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Localization – A New Model

Learn about the Canadian translation industry, the role of the Translation Bureau, and the benefits of an Integrated Model for localization in Canada. Discover the importance of language and technology in achieving client satisfaction and high-quality translations. Explore the challenges and opportunities in the Canadian localization landscape.

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Localization – A New Model

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  1. Localization – A New Model November 13, 2002 Donald Barabé

  2. About Canada 1 $775 millions 3 to $6.5 billions • A leader in translation: 4 to 8% of world market with 0.5% of population • Long tradition of bilingualism • About 15,000 professional translators • Multiculturalism and multilingualism • Training programs in ten universities • High quality standards • Legal professional recognition of translators in major provinces of the country • Companies specialized in language technologies 1Final Report of the Sectoral Committee on the Canadian Translation Industry

  3. About the Translation Bureau • Canadian government agency created in 1934 • Mandate • to provide translation and interpretation services to Canadian government departments and agencies, including Parliament • to standardize terminology in use in government institutions

  4. About the Translation Bureau(cont.) • Some facts and figures • staff of about 1,200 translators, interpreters and terminologists • inventory of some 800 suppliers • language combinations: 100 • Business volume in 2002: 90M euros • 97% billed by the hour or by lump sum

  5. Localization in Canada • Few localization companies in Canada… yet. • Localization is no longer optional. • Already three university programs in localization. • Canada is taking a “back to basics” approach.

  6. “The technology proposition, intended to improve the value and efficiency of the services, is often perceived by the customer as expensive … There is no evidence yet that technology can help to significantly reduce this cost.”2 2 VAN DER MEER, Jaap, SMP Marketing. Volume XI, number 1.4. March 2002

  7. “The true technology – the one beyond all technologies – is language.” Norman Fisher

  8. Language and Technology • Life and culture are indissociable. • Language and culture as well. • Culture is an integral part of technology. • Technology influences culture: • printing • telephone and television • stem cells • Technology also influences language • – neology resulting from scientific and technical advances • – chat lingo of teenagers on the Internet

  9. Language and Technology (cont.) • Technology lifted two main barriers to McLuhan’s global village: time and distance. • But language is the final frontier. • Product/service recognition is obtained throughlanguage. • Consumers are three times more likely to buy aproduct/service available in their native language.3 • Mostcountries in the world legally requireproducts/services be provided in the officiallanguage(s) of the country. 3Forrester Report

  10. Language and Technology (cont.) • Linguistic imperialism. • In localization, linguistic and cultural elementsrepresent the bulk of the project. • Actually, isn’t the essence of localization communicating a message in another language for another culture? • Yet …

  11. Current Localization Model Translator Writer Graphics Designer Web Designer System Administrator Project Manager Programmer Network Specialist Editor Linguist

  12. “Even today, after much effort and experimentation, our rather small industry is in a deplorable state. What is wrong? Does language matter afterall? Are we all barking up the wrong tree?”4 4 VAN DER MEER, Jaap, SMP Marketing. Volume XI, number 1.4. March 2002

  13. Canadian Model Linguist Graphics Designer Web Designer Programmer System Administrator Editor Project Manager Writer Translator Network Specialist

  14. Localization in Canada – An Integrated Model • Team of experts: • language professionals • technology professionals • University training in localization aimed primarily at language professionals • Language professionals play key roles in: • evaluation and planning • project management • localization/translation • testing and quality assurance

  15. Advantages of the Integrated Model • Close cooperation between language and technology specialists. • Intervention by the language professional at thevery beginning of the process. • Linguistic and cultural aspects are dealth with at every step of the development process. • Fewer steps •  lower costs •  better product •  greater client satisfaction.

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