Introduction

What is localization?

In computing, internationalization and localization (American) or internationalisation and localisation (Commonwealth), often abbreviated i18n and l10n respectively, are means of adapting to different languages, regional peculiarities and technical requirements of a target locale.

Internationalization is the process of designing a software application so that it can be adapted to various languages and regions without engineering changes. Localization is the process of adapting internationalized software for a specific region or language by translating text and adding locale-specific components. Source: Wikipedia

Website

Lokalisointi.fi is a portal for Finnish translation groups of open source software. The portal is developed and maintained in cooperation between the groups. The purpose of the portal is to promote the translation work of Linux and other open source software and to promote cooperation between translation projects by providing them with a communication channel, tools needed for translation work, and other resources.

Discussion

We use the Matrix room and the IRCnet channel #lokalisointi.fi for the discussion between different translation projects. The room and the channel are connected to each other. They are intended for both general discussion and for practical translation work. For example, it is better to discuss the terminology used together than on several channels of different translation teams.

Wiki

The localization community's wiki contains aggregated information outside this website. You need a Codeberg account to edit the wiki.

Report on the state of localization

We have produced a study on the state of localization of open source software in 2003.

According to the report, Linux has been translated well and comprehensively into Finnish for the most part. However, there is still a lot to be done: most Linux distribution versions do not have a Finnish installation or management programs and the translation of the instructions for use is lagging behind. However, the most important work is in maintaining existing translation entities (such as KDE and Gnome), because the programs are developing rapidly and new ones are constantly emerging.

Statements

We have made a statement on the translation of open source software. The translation work is justified by public funding. The statement serves as a basis for efforts to obtain funding for some translation projects.

Educational institutions

We offer educational institutions (universities and others) a connection channel for doing, for example, study-related exercises. We hope to be able to start in cooperation with the needs of educational institutions, so all ideas and wishes are welcome. Please contact us.

We have cooperated with university groups on translation work and quality control of various projects.

We can organize not only presentations of our activities, but also, in general, lectures on the localization of computer programs.