Software Localization and Social Justice - Challenges and its future.

Software Localization and Social Justice

            Of India's nine hundred and fifty million citizens, nine hundred million citizens are currently excluded from computer use, the Internet, and the World Wide Web (www) by the near-total absence of software in the languages which the majority of Indians speak.  Restated in the Jargon of the computer scientist, there has been virtually no "software localization" to any of the major vernacular languages of India.  

Software Localization

            The exclusion of almost one-sixth of the world's population from what enthusiasts term "the Information Age" raises questions about politics, culture, and software that are important not only to India, but to the entire world.  I am no India expert, but it is clear that India, the world's largest democracy, is a nation that despite communal conflicts has maintained a vibrant multilingual and multicultural society in an era of world fragmentation, and remains committed not only to economic growth but also to freedom and social justice.  India thus has a rare, perhaps unique, opportunity to affect the directions in which the Information Age will move.

            Localization is a highly technical process by which computer programs written in one language by members of one culture and translated into another language for use by members of another culture.  Currently, the major packaged software firms, almost all of which are located in the United States, prepare for localization by setting apart the irreducible source code of major programming languages, operating systems, and applications from the linguistically and culturally specific elements which need to be changed for special local markets. This process is called "internationalization" of the program code.  

            

            The list of elements that need to be set apart so as to be "localized" is long: not just obvious text translations, but character sets, scrolling patterns, page geometries, dictionaries, search engines, colours, numbers, box sizes, names, dates, and icons. (As one observer has noted, there is no gesture of the human hand that is not obscene in some culture!)

            If English were to remain the only easily available Indian language for computer use, and if we make the reasonable assumption that access to computers (and to computer-based electronic communications) is empowering, then 95% of the Indian people who do not speak good-enough-English for computer use will automatically be disempowered.  Existing gaps will grow.  There is, however, another possibility -- if you will, a happy dream.  It is a dream of Indian and international cooperation to make computers accessible to the vast majority of Indian people who are not fluent in English. It is, in short, a dream of localization to Indian languages.

Software Localization

             To realize this dream, Indians must come together to develop common standards for localization. If not done, either such standards will never develop, and real localization will not be implemented.  Or if localization to Indian languages is accomplished, it will be defined by default in Redmond, Washington, rather than in Delhi, Bombay, and Bangalore, and the results could too easily be inappropriate to India. We are left with questions rather than solutions. 

             How and by whom should the basic languages of India be defined? How should the keyboard be used to enter each language into the computer? What are the possibilities of voice recognition? How should fonts and scripting be defined? Which languages should have priority of localization? How can the costs of developing standards be apportioned between Indian and foreign, private and public agencies?  How can the creative work already done at NCST, CDAC, Tata, IIT Kanpur, CICT, Konkan Railways, and other groups be optimally incorporated into the final standards? And above all, how can the results be responsive to the interests of the mass of Indian people?

            None of these questions will have an easy answer. It is not easier for Indians than for Americans to speak with a single voice. But if these questions are not answered, the result is the likely exclusion of most non-English-speaking Indians from the electronic world.  To suffer that defeat without a major effort to avoid it would be a great pity, especially when there is so much obvious desire in India to use the electronic revolution to close rather than widen the gaps in this society.

Accessibility and Inclusivity:

Software Localization

             One of the primary benefits of software localization is enhanced accessibility. By localizing software, developers ensure that users from diverse linguistic backgrounds can access and use their products comfortably. This inclusivity is crucial for reaching global markets and underserved communities where English may not be widely spoken or understood.

             Moreover, localization supports individuals with disabilities by enabling the adaptation of interfaces to suit specific accessibility needs. Features like screen readers, voice command integration, and alternative text for images can significantly improve usability for users with visual impairments or other disabilities.

Empowering Marginalized Communities:

Software Localization

            From a social justice perspective, software localization plays a transformative role in empowering marginalized communities. By making technology accessible in local languages, it lowers barriers to education, employment, and civic engagement. For instance, localized educational software can facilitate learning in remote or economically disadvantaged regions, bridging educational gaps and promoting digital literacy.

            Furthermore, localized software contributes to preserving and promoting cultural heritage. It respects linguistic diversity and encourages the use of indigenous languages, which are often endangered or at risk of extinction. This preservation of cultural identity through technology helps combat cultural homogenization and fosters pride in one's heritage.

Challenges and Considerations:

             Despite its benefits, software localization presents challenges such as maintaining consistency across different language versions, adapting to varying cultural sensitivities, and ensuring technical compatibility. These challenges require collaboration between developers, linguists, and local communities to achieve effective localization that respects cultural nuances and user preferences.

The Future of Software Localization:

Software Localization

            As technology continues to advance, the demand for localized software will only grow. Innovations in machine learning and artificial intelligence are already enhancing translation accuracy and efficiency, making localization more accessible and cost-effective for developers worldwide.

            In conclusion, software localization transcends technical boundaries to promote social justice and inclusivity. By adapting software to diverse linguistic and cultural contexts, developers contribute to a more equitable global society where everyone has equal access to technology and its benefits. Embracing software localization isn't just about expanding market reach; it's about empowering individuals, preserving cultures, and advancing social justice in a digitally connected world.