When it comes to translation and localization, there are many factors to consider and one that is often overlooked is the direction of the language. In Western languages, such as English, text is read from left to right. However, in right-to-left (RTL) languages, such as Arabic and Hebrew, text is read from right to left. This can have a significant impact on the design and functionality of localized content.
What are some of the world’s most popular right-to-left languages?
Arabic: A Semitic language spoken primarily in the Middle East and North Africa. It is the fifth most spoken language in the world, with an estimated 422 million speakers.
Hebrew: As one of the official national languages of Israel, Hebrew is a Semitic language with an estimated 9 million speakers worldwide.
Persian (Farsi): An Indo-Iranian language spoken primarily in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. It has an estimated 110 million speakers across the world.
Kurdish: An Iranian language spoken primarily in Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and Syria. It has an estimated 30 million speakers worldwide.
Yiddish: A Jewish language spoken primarily in Central and Eastern Europe. It has an estimated 1.5 million speakers worldwide.
Here are some key considerations when localizing content into right-to-left languages.
1. Text direction
One of the most important considerations when localizing content for RTL languages is the content alignment and direction of the text. All text, including headings, body copy, and buttons, must be flipped from left to right. This may seem simple, but it can have a significant impact on the design of the content. For example, images and graphics may need to be flipped, and menus and navigation bars may need to be moved to the right side of the screen.
2. Directional icons
In addition to content alignment, it is also important to consider directional icons. These are icons such as arrows, which are used to indicate movement or direction. In RTL languages, these icons need to be reversed to ensure they are pointing in the correct direction. For example, an arrow pointing left in English will need to point right in Arabic.
3. Typography
Another important consideration is typography. RTL languages require different typography to left-to-right (LTR) languages. The choice of font can also have a significant impact on the readability of RTL content. For example, letters must connect to each other, rather than standing alone as they do in LTR languages. This means that fonts need to be chosen carefully, to ensure that they are appropriate for the language being used.
4. Layout
The layout of the content must also be adapted for RTL languages. In Western languages, the layout is typically left-aligned, with text and images arranged from left to right. In RTL languages, the layout is right-aligned, with text and images arranged from right to left. This can impact the positioning of elements such as icons, logos, and navigation bars. It's also important to consider the impact on the overall design and visual hierarchy of the content.
5. Date and time formatting
Date and time formatting is another important consideration. In RTL languages, the date and time should be displayed from right to left, rather than left to right. This can be achieved by using the appropriate formatting codes in the localization software.
6. Numbers and currency
Numbers and currency are also formatted differently in RTL languages. In Arabic, for example, the decimal separator is a comma, rather than a period as it is in English. Currency symbols may also be placed on the right-hand side of the number, rather than the left.
7. User interface and functionality
The direction of the text is not just a visual consideration – it also affects the functionality of the content. For example, forms and input fields must support RTL text input, with the cursor starting on the right side of the field. Similarly, dropdown menus and checkboxes must be adapted to support right-to-left selection. All in all the interface should be mirrored to ensure that it is easy to use for native speakers of the language. This includes menus, buttons, and other interactive elements.
8.Testing and feedback
Finally, it is important to test and gather feedback on the localized content. This ensures that any issues can be identified and addressed before the content is released to the public. This includes testing for content alignment, typography, and user interface, as well as checking for any errors in the translated text.
9.Cultural considerations
When localizing content into RTL languages, it's important to consider cultural factors as well. In some cultures, certain colors or symbols may have negative connotations. For example, in some Middle Eastern cultures, the color red is associated with danger and should be avoided. It's important to work with native speakers and cultural experts to ensure that the content is appropriate and respectful of local cultural norms.
When localizing content for RTL languages, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. By taking these factors into account, businesses can ensure that their content is properly localized for a global audience.
Language Intelligence’s multilingual DTP team has expertise in properly formatting right-to-left languages in a variety of content types. Our team takes the time to adapt the layout and design of your content to ensure it looks visually appealing and reads accurately in each target language. Multilingual DTP is an essential part of the translation and localization process, as it ensures that the final product is not only linguistically accurate but also visually consistent and engaging across all languages and cultures.
Contact Language Intelligence today to learn more about our comprehensive translation and localization services and our multilingual DTP offerings!