Glossary L

Language-Dependent/Independent Tasks
When the results of processing the source material can be used only for one language, they are considered to be language-dependent (for example, translation to one target language using translation memory). When the results of processing the source material can be used for multiple languages, they are considered as language-independent. For example - extraction of text strings from the application source code.

Layered Graphics
A graphic file with multiple layers. It has become customary practice to use layered graphics for internationalization of images that include text elements. Such files have all the text elements in layers that are separate from the graphic elements. The text can be easily translated without disturbing the original artwork.

Leverage/Leveraging
Refers to the amount of previously translated text from an earlier release that can be reused or recycled.
See TM (Translation Memory).

Lingua franca
Language used for communication between two or more groups that have different native languages. It may be a standard language ? for example, English and French are often used for international diplomacy, and Swahili is used by speakers of the many different local languages of eastern Africa. A lingua franca may also be a pidgin, like Melanesian Pidgin, widely used in the southern Pacific. The term lingua franca (Latin: "Frankish language") was first applied to a pidgin based on French and Italian developed in the Mediterranean.
See Creole Language and Pidgin.
 

LISA (Localization Industry Standards Association)
The leading international forum for organizations doing business globally. LISA has distilled the right and wrong ways of supporting international customers, products and services over the last fifteen years, from more than 500 corporate members, public & private institutions, government ministries and trade organizations. LISA allows you to leverage this invaluable expertise - available nowhere else - in the form of clear guidelines, best practice and standards to enable your organization to deliver on its international objectives. WSL is proud member of LISA.

Locale
In computing, locale is a set of parameters that defines the user's language, country and any special preferences that the user wants to see in their user interface (UI). Usually, a locale identifier consists of at least a language identifier and a region identifier. Locale differs from language in that the same language may be spoken in more than one country and embodies common language and cultural information. A locale specifically determines conventions such as sort order rules; date, time and currency formats; keyboard layout; and other cultural conventions.

Localizability
The degree of readiness of an application for localization. An application is ready for localization if the application's executable code has been clearly separated from the localizable resources of the application.

Localizability Testing
Localizability testing is the first step in software localization process. It verifies that the user interface of the program being tested can be easily translated to any target language without re-engineering or making code modifications.

Localization
Customizing software and documentation for a particular country. It includes the translation of menus and messages into the native spoken language as well as changes in the user interface to accommodate different alphabets and culture. True localization considers language, culture, customs and characteristics of the target locale. It frequently involves changes to the software's writing system and may change keyboard use, fonts, date, time, and monetary formats.

Localization End Test
The process of testing the localized software in end-user conditions: installing the software under a target language-enabled OS, and using it in the same way as an end user. The Localization End Test is performed by native speakers of the target language. Its purpose is to uncover any problems that may have arisen during localization. Special attention is given to the quality and consistency of the translated GUI.

Localization Engineering
Localization Engineering provides you with the software skills necessary to adapt your application to different cultures. This service identifies internationalization issues; builds the test environment; prepares translatable text; re-engineers components (including re-coding and script writing) and pinpoints the time frame and resources needed to perform such functions.

Localization Kit
A set that includes the source files and materials verified with the customer, the necessary aids (terminology list, translation memory), localization tool, and localization documents (guidelines, checklists, tracking sheets, etc.). Preparation of a localization kit enables an efficient and well-organized localization process.