Of code and context: collaboration between developers and translators

Abstract

Software for international markets often requires cultural adaption in order to be successful in different markets. To achieve this, software developers work together with translators to internationalize and localize their product as necessary. In this paper, we reflect on our experiences of collaboration between these two specialist types from different disciplines. We contrast the differences in object of work, education, values and perception of product quality and illustrate what other factors might have an influence in collaboration. Our experiences suggest that the collaboration between developers and localizers might be improved by integrating translators into development teams, and by emphasizing the importance of understanding each other's work better.