Translation and Localisation: A Step towards Language Digitisation

Translation is the process of rendering the content and meaning of one language into other language. The Language localisation is not comparable with Translation as it involves a varied study of the target culture so that the product may be adopted under the local needs. Digital India campaign was launched by the GoI to connect rural areas with high-speed Internet networks and improving digital literacy. The phones in future will have facility for inputting text in English, Hindi and at least one more language. The third language to be supported by mobiles will be decided by the phone manufacturer or supplier. Being a cashless society, India must have digitized information of all contents. Localizing for the Indian buyer is not an easy task especially if it is a companys first incursion into the Asian market. There are many applications and websites in Indian languages and continuously increasing. This paper attempts to cover the localized and translated applications and websites viz available in Indian languages. Further, the paper focuses on the possible ways by the GoI to recognize, support and channelize these efforts and contributions. The paper also emphasizes the role of start-ups and advocates a support plan on the basis of demographic status of various languages.