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Localization - Glossary | MDN 1/3 https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Glossary/Localization reference web, html, css, javascript, documentation 2026-05-05T05:36:52.001122+00:00 kb-cron

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  1. Glossary
  2. Localization

Localization

Localization (l10n) is the process of adapting a software user interface to a specific culture. The following are common factors to consider:

  • language
  • unit of measure (e.g., kilometers in Europe, miles in U.S.)
  • text direction (e.g., European languages are left-to-right, Arabic right-to-left)
  • capitalization in Latin script (e.g., English uses capitals for weekdays, Spanish uses lowercase)
  • adaptation of idioms (e.g., "raining cats and dogs" makes no sense when translated literally)
  • use of register (e.g., in Japanese respectful speech differs exceptionally from casual speech)
  • number format (e.g., 10 000,00 in Germany vs. 10,000.00 in the U.S.)
  • date format
  • currency
  • cultural references
  • paper size
  • color psychology
  • compliance with local laws
  • local holidays
  • personal names

The complementary practice of making a system easier to localize is called Internationalization.

In this article

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