G.I.L.T.

GILT (G.I.L.T.) is an acronym used to define the steps or processes required in software localization to produce a global product. The acronym comes from the first letters of the words: Globalization, Internationalization, Localization and Translation. These steps can be applied to any product or service that needs to be designed/used for a global audience.

Nowadays products and services can go global quickly, but should follow this ordered procedure for successful globalization. We used LISA’s website (formerly- Localization Industry Standards Association) to find accurate definitions:

Localization (l10n) adapts the product to the linguistic and cultural specifications of a given region. It's the process of adapting a product or software to a specific international language or culture so that it seems natural to that particular region. True localization considers language, culture, customs and the characteristics of the target locale. It frequently involves changes to the software’s writing system and may change keyboard use and fonts as well as date, time and monetary formats.

Translation is the process of reproducing a text from a source language into a target language. It converts all of the text or words from the source language to the target language. An understanding of the context or meaning of the source language must be established in order to convey the same message in the target language.

Globalization (g11n) handles the process of marketing a product or company worldwide. It refers to a broad range of processes necessary to prepare and launch products and company activities internationally. Addresses the business issues associated with launching a product globally, such as integrating localization throughout a company after proper internationalization and product design.

Internationalization (i18n) creates a product that can be marketed worldwide. The idea is to be able to change the language without redesigning the product. It's the process of generalizing a product so that it can handle multiple languages and cultural conventions without the need for redesign.

The GILT process requires a lot of coordination and planning but ensures the success of any globalization effort and allows timely control of all activities and potential problems. Imagine the G.I.L.T. process in a marketing agency for a product’s marketing material. The Development Department would undertake the Globalization (g11n) stage. They would gather suggestions and comments from various groups and distributors around the world to create the best product possible, taking into consideration the world market and demands. Then, the Design Department would work on the product’s Internationalisation (i18n). Its task is to create the best marketing campaign suitable for all markets, in a very generic way, indicating the areas that will stay the same for all markets and the areas that need to be adapted or localized to a specific market. The Production Department will take over the Localization (l10n) process, changing all the parts that need to be adapted according to the local market, including changes to ensure graphics, colors, numerics and other elements of the campaign do not offend the target audience; the text can be read left to right, and the text boxes are big enough to handle language expansion and vice versa. And, finally, the translation process will be done to reproduce the campaign to any particular language required for the project. This is a complete process of G.I.L.T.

We will be happy to hear from you regarding your G.I.L.T. needs for your Chinese products/website.

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