This is what we have to put up with in the software localisation industry.

I can’t believe nobody has done this list yet. I mean, there is one about names, one about time and many others on other topics, but not one about languages yet (except one honorable mention that comes close). So, here’s my attempt to list all the misconceptions and prejudices I’ve come across in the course of my long and illustrious career in software localisation and language technology. Enjoy – and send me your own ones!

  • LaggyKar
    2·
    6 hours ago

    It’s not even that, there are multiple languages spoken in the same region. Webpages should just use the language the browser tells it to use.

    • peoplebeproblems@midwest.socialEnglish
      1·
      3 hours ago

      I had assumed the author didn’t limit his statements to web browsers. If it’s an application on a user’s box, they should be using the language the OS provides.

      In the case of less complex hardware, IoT or embedded devices with localization support, you would likely have another strategy if it doesn’t have a setup process. For something without internet or GPS, you can’t do this obviously. For something without a GUI, it’s unlikely to have localization support without direct design consideration for it’s destination.