Localization
Fall 2025-2026
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alper Kumcu
Email | Website
Course Description
This course offers an in-depth exploration of localization in the context of translation and interpreting. Students will learn the theoretical foundations and practical applications of localization, with a focus on adapting content for different linguistic and cultural markets. The course also includes a module on ‘code literacy’, which is essential for understanding the technological aspects of localization. Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared for a career in the localization industry, combining linguistic proficiency with technical expertise.
Weekly Schedule
| Week | Topic | Readings | Practical Task |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The aim of the course, methodology, requirements, and outline | - | - |
| 2 | Introduction to Localization - Definition, differences with translation, industry overview, importance |
Esselink, B. A Practical Guide to Localization (Ch. 1-2) | Case study on a successful localization project |
| 3 | Theories of Localization - Theoretical approaches, translation theories, intercultural process |
Pym, A. Translation and Localization (Ch. 1-3) | Analyze theoretical approach for a specific language market |
| 4 | Cultural Considerations in Localization - Cultural adaptation, regional case studies, sensitivities |
Katan, D. Translating Cultures (Ch. 4-5) | Identify cultural challenges and propose solutions |
| 5 | Code Literacy for Localization - Basics of HTML, XML, JSON, RMarkdown - Encoding, placeholders |
O’Hagan, M. The Routledge Handbook of Translation and Technology (Ch. 3) | Analyze source code for localization issues |
| 6 | Localization Tools and Technology - LMS, CAT tools, TM, termbases, MT integration |
O’Hagan, M. The Routledge Handbook of Translation and Technology (Ch. 12) | Use a CAT tool to localize text with TM and MT |
| 7 | Mid-term Exam | - | - |
| 8 | Localization of Websites - CMS, localization plugins, SEO, multilingual usability |
Singh, N. & Pereira, A. The Culturally Customized Web Site | Localize a small website section |
| 9 | Software Localization - UI, documentation, support materials, tools |
Esselink, B. A Practical Guide to Localization (Ch. 6-7) | Mock localization of software strings |
| 10 | Multimedia Localization (Audio/Video) - Voiceover, dubbing, subtitling, timing, cultural nuances |
Díaz Cintas, J. & Remael, A. Audiovisual Translation: Subtitling | Localize a video clip and create subtitles |
| 11 | Game Localization - Challenges, cultural adaptation, LQA |
Mangiron, C. & O’Hagan, M. Game Localization | Localize a short video game segment |
| 12 | Quality Assurance in Localization - LQA principles, testing, bug tracking |
Jiménez-Crespo, M. A. Translation and Web Localization | Perform LQA assessment |
| 13 | Localization Project Management - Timelines, budgets, teams, client-vendor relationships |
Austermühl, F. Electronic Tools for Translators | Develop a localization campaign project plan |
| 14 | Emerging Trends in Localization - AI, MT post-editing, continuous localization, IoT/VR/AR |
Yunker, J. The Art of the Global Gateway | Report on emerging trend in localization |
Suggested Literature
- O’Hagan, M. (2019). The Routledge Handbook of Translation and Technology. Routledge.
- Jiménez-Crespo, M. A. (2013). Translation and Web Localization. Routledge.
- Jiménez-Crespo, M. A. (2024). Localization in Translation. Routledge.
Evaluation
- Midterm Exam (50%) – Week 7
- Final Exam (50%) – End of semester
Requirements
- Attendance is mandatory. Students exceeding the limit will automatically fail (F1).
- Lateness counts as absence.
- Assignments must be typed, submitted on A4 paper, on time — no late submissions accepted.
- Missing the final exam results in automatic failure (F2).