ITI Cultural Adaptation & Localization 3

Question 1

In software localization, 'string expansion' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The tendency of translated text to be longer than the source, which can cause layout issues in the target product

Answer

Many languages (e.g., German, Finnish) produce longer text than English, which can overflow UI elements; localizers and engineers must plan for string expansion from the outset.

Question 2

The abbreviation 'i18n' stands for:

Accepted Answer

Internationalization (18 letters between 'i' and 'n')

Answer

i18n is a numeronym for 'internationalization' — the process of designing software so it can easily be adapted for different languages and regions without engineering changes.

Question 3

What does 'l10n' stand for in the localization industry?

Accepted Answer

Localization (10 letters between 'l' and 'n')

Answer

l10n is the numeronym for 'localization' — the process of adapting internationalized software or content for a specific locale or market.

Question 4

A translator uses a 'thick translation' approach. This means the translation:

Accepted Answer

Includes extensive annotations, glosses, or footnotes that explain cultural context for the target reader

Answer

Coined by philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah, 'thick translation' supplements the translated text with paratextual material (notes, glossaries, introductions) to convey cultural depth that a bare translation would lose.

Question 5

When localizing a legal contract for a US audience that was originally drafted under UK law, a key cultural-adaptation concern is:

Accepted Answer

Identifying legal concepts, institutions, and terminology that differ between the two jurisdictions and finding functional equivalents or adding explanatory notes

Answer

Even within the same language, legal systems differ significantly; localizing for a different jurisdiction requires recognizing these differences and ensuring the adapted text is legally coherent for the target audience.

(ITI) Institute of Translation and Interpreting Diploma in Translation Practice Test

(ITI) Institute of Translation and Interpreting Diploma in Translation Practice Test

ITI Cultural Adaptation & Localization 3