Glossary
Localisation vs translation
Translation converts text from one language to another. Localisation adapts the full experience for a market: language, culture, imagery, units, layout, and channel conventions. Cultural localisation is localisation with brand voice and creative intent at the centre.
Why it matters
Translation alone may produce linguistically correct assets that still need creative or cultural adaptation. Understanding the difference helps CMOs and localisation leads choose the right workflow. Nativ is built for cultural localisation, not machine translation alone.
Buying the right capability
If success is “linguistically complete string file,” translation may be enough. If success is “this still feels like us in market,” you need cultural localisation software.
See Solutions: transcreation vs translation for a practical briefing split.
Related terms
Localise with brand voice intact
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