Translation & Localization in WordPress

translation and localization in WordPress

Some time back we gave a talk about preparing your code for the global community. This process is called localization. One of the key mission statements for WordPress is to democratize publishing. Part of that democratization involves making sure that tools are available all over the world in the language the user is most comfortable with. In many cases, especially with plugins, the key to localization is translation.

Localization via Translation

Now that you’ve spent the time to build that perfect plugin, you want to make sure that it can be used all over the world. You’re going to want to look at some tools that allow you to easily translate your plugin. You’re going to want a solution that allows you to not only translate the UI elements of the plugin, but also any of the configuration strings as well.

There are a few tools that we looked at for creating translations, Poedit, POEditor, and GlotPress. Each of these tools approaches the process a little differently. You’ll need to make sure that you have a native speaker of the language you’re translating into to provide accurate translations. There’s no point in translating if your translations don’t make sense.

Other Aspects of Localization

While translation is most likely the biggest hurdle between your plugin and the world, there are other factors to consider for localization. 

Images

If there are a lot of images that are part of the plugin you want to make sure that the context and content are appropriate for the new market. This may be as complex as color connotations or taboo subjects.

Layout

While you’ve translated the words, you may need to adjust your layout to account for the appropriate flow of the content. Several languages are read from right to left or even vertically down the page. Make sure you don’t complicate the content with an improper format.

Numbers

Depending on the functionality of your plugin, you may need to account for differing numeric systems. This most often comes into play for currencies or for units of measurement. Even a simple adaptation to the metric system can increase the usefulness of your plugin to other English speakers.

Formatting

Similar to number systems, make sure that your dates, addresses, and phone numbers are presented in a format appropriate for the region you’re targeting.

Local Laws and Regulations

Make sure that your code follows any local laws that may be different from your own location. A great example of this is the GDPR in the European Union. And as a California company, the CCPA affects privacy requirements for California residents.

Written by the Team at Pixel Jar

We hope you got something useful out of that post. If you'd like to read more we have an active blog with topics across the spectrum of website development. If you're researching information for a project we'd love to talk to you about it.

WordPress for Business Websites

WordPress for Business Websites

Are you intimidated by creating your website? If so, you’re not alone. Most new business owners who are tasked with setting up a website are overwhelmed by the world of web design. It’s easy to become paralyzed by the endless options available. With so many choices to pick from, it can seem impossible to narrow…
Read More
La Aventura Del Amor

La Aventura Del Amor

Last Tuesday evening, Jeffrey and I participated in the 3rd Annual Krochet Kids international Gala. We knew that it was going to be awesome, but had no idea how much progress they have made in their efforts in Uganda. They announced that 2010 will officially mark the year that their program in Uganda was fully sustained by hat sales alone. This is a HUGE accomplishment for them. Not only are they a huge success story, but they continue to expand their business and grow as human beings.
Read More

Learn how to understand your website's strengths and weaknesses, and how to make changes for the best possible chance at success.

Download Now

How Can We Help You?

We want to build your next project.

Connect with Pixel Jar

Our Community

Subscribe to learn more about the goings on at Pixel Jar.

  • Note: Your email will be added to our CRM and be used to receive emails from Pixel Jar. You can unsubscribe at any time.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.