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Part of
Handbook of Terminology: Volume 2. Terminology in the Arab world
Edited by Abied Alsulaiman and Ahmed Allaithy
[Handbook of Terminology 2] 2019
► pp. 217–234

Chapter 9
Linguistic inferiority in software localization

Software localization constitutes an important economic and cultural activity. It involves producing a version of a software product in a different language (the target language) than the language of the original version (the source language). The technical challenges associated with software localization seem to receive more attention from field specialists, while linguistic matters are considered secondary in importance. This article aims to highlight linguistic requirements in software localization through a study of the Arabic localized version of Skype. In particular, we will demonstrate that the linguistic approach adopted by the localizer is largely literal, and this has ramifications for product quality.

Keywords: software localization, arabized Skype, technical skills, cosmetic bugs, linguistic approach, literalism
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • 1.Technical issues of software localization
  • 2.Linguistic issues
  • Conclusion
  • References
Published online: 29 January 2019
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/hot.2.10idy
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