Cost effective software internationalisation

Abstract

This paper describes the design and implementation of a method for allowing the user interface of a software application to be translated by the end user into any other language. It is proposed that if used by the software industry this technique will increase the availability of software to minority groups. The research involved the modification of an existing email application for children (www.mifrenz.com) by providing a tool for parents to modify the pre-installed translations created using automated translation tools. Standard software internationalisation techniques available with modern programming languages were extensively used. This work resulted in a fully implemented product that has been sold in 11 countries and has confirmed usage in Dutch, French, German, Spanish, Norwegian, Russian, Swedish, and English. It is concluded that with the advent of automated translation tools and giving the end user the ability to modify the translation, as described in this paper, means that it is now possible for all software to be delivered with any interface language at a minimal cost.