Difference Wiki

Localisation vs. Localization: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sara Rehman || Updated on November 10, 2023
Localisation and localization are the same process of adapting content for regional audiences, differing only in spelling: 'localisation' is British English, 'localization' is American English.

Key Differences

Localisation is the British English spelling of the process where products, services, or content are adapted to suit local markets or regions. Localization, spelled with a 'z', is the American English version of the same term, with the same meaning and application.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023
In the context of global business and technology, localisation is used in documents and communications following British English norms. Localization is used in American English contexts, including software development and marketing.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Both localisation and localization refer to the same process of culturally and linguistically adapting content, such as translating text, converting currencies, or modifying graphical elements to be region-specific.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023
When a company decides to localise its product, it customizes aspects like language, design, and functionality for different regions. Similarly, localizing a product involves the same customization steps to ensure it is suitable for the target market.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023
The choice between localisation and localization depends on the preferred variant of English. Both terms are used interchangeably in international settings, depending on the linguistic preference of the audience or company.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Spelling

Localisation
Localization
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

Usage

In British English contexts
In American English contexts
Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023

Meaning

Adapting content for regional audiences
Adapting content for regional audiences
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

Application

Global business, technology, marketing
Global business, technology, marketing
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023

Linguistic Style

Part of British English conventions
Part of American English conventions
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
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Localisation and Localization Definitions

Localisation

Cultural Adaptation.
The localisation of the app included cultural references.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023

Localization

Regional Tailoring.
Software localization included adapting measurement units.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023

Localisation

Audience Specific.
Effective localisation considers local customs and norms.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023

Localization

Translation Process.
Localization of the website into Spanish was a success.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023

Localisation

Translation Process.
Localisation ensures the website reads naturally in French.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023
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Localization

Market Customization.
The product's localization was crucial for the U.S. market.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023

Localisation

Market Customization.
Product localisation is key for European markets.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023

Localization

Audience Specific.
Good localization addresses regional language variations.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023

Localisation

Regional Tailoring.
The localisation of the software involved currency conversion.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023

Localization

To make local
Decentralize and localize political authority.
Sara Rehman
Jan 09, 2023

Localisation

Alternative spelling of localization
Sara Rehman
Jan 09, 2023

Localization

To confine or restrict to a particular locality
Localized the infection.
Sara Rehman
Jan 09, 2023

Localisation

Same as localization.
Sara Rehman
Jan 09, 2023

Localization

To attribute to a particular locality
Sought to localize the origin of the rumor.
Sara Rehman
Jan 09, 2023

Localisation

(physiology) the principle that specific functions have relatively circumscribed locations in some particular part or organ of the body
Sara Rehman
Jan 09, 2023

Localization

To become local, especially to become fixed in one area or part.
Sara Rehman
Jan 09, 2023

Localisation

A determination of the location of something;
He got a good fix on the target
Sara Rehman
Jan 09, 2023

Localization

The act of localizing.
Sara Rehman
Jan 09, 2023

Localization

(software engineering) The act, process, or result of making a product suitable for use in a particular country or region.
Sara Rehman
Jan 09, 2023

Localization

The act, process, or result of adapting translated text to fit a local culture; domestication.
Sara Rehman
Jan 09, 2023

Localization

The state of being localized.
Sara Rehman
Jan 09, 2023

Localization

(algebra) A systematic method of adding multiplicative inverses to a ring.
Sara Rehman
Jan 09, 2023

Localization

(algebra) A ring of fractions of a given ring, such that the complement of the set of allowed denominators is an ideal.
Sara Rehman
Jan 09, 2023

Localization

Act of localizing, or state of being localized.
Sara Rehman
Jan 09, 2023

Localization

A determination of the location of something;
He got a good fix on the target
Sara Rehman
Jan 09, 2023

Localization

(physiology) the principle that specific functions have relatively circumscribed locations in some particular part or organ of the body
Sara Rehman
Jan 09, 2023

Localization

Cultural Adaptation.
Localization efforts made the game popular in Japan.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023

FAQs

What does localisation involve?

Translation, cultural adaptation, and regional customization.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023

What is localisation?

Adapting content to suit local markets, British English spelling.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

What’s an example of localisation in practice?

"The software localisation included adapting to local legal requirements."
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023

Are localisation and localization interchangeable?

Yes, in meaning, but the spelling differs based on language style.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

Why is localization important in business?

It makes products relevant and accessible to different markets.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023

Can non-native English speakers use both forms?

Yes, but consistency with one form is advisable.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023

Is localization accepted in British English?

British English generally uses 'localisation'.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

What is localization?

The American English spelling for adapting content for regional audiences.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023

How is localization used effectively?

"Effective localization requires understanding the target culture."
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023

Which industries use these terms?

Tech, marketing, and global business frequently use these terms.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023

Are there differences in pronunciation?

No, both are pronounced the same way.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023

Do these terms appear in everyday language?

They are more common in professional or global business contexts.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023

How does localization impact global sales?

It can significantly increase market penetration and customer satisfaction.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023

Can a small business benefit from localization?

Yes, especially when expanding to new regional markets.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023

Can these terms apply to any form of content?

Yes, they are applicable to digital content, products, services, and more.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023

Can I use localisation in American English?

Typically, 'localization' is preferred in American English contexts.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023

How important is localisation in website design?

Crucial for reaching and engaging a diverse audience.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023

Is one spelling more correct than the other?

No, it depends on the form of English being used.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

Should I use localisation in international publications?

It depends on the publication's language guidelines.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

Does the meaning change with different spellings?

No, the meaning is the same.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sara Rehman
Sara Rehman is a seasoned writer and editor with extensive experience at Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Information Technology, she combines her academic prowess with her passion for writing to deliver insightful and well-researched content.
Edited by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

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