Internationalization (I18n)

Internationalization is the foundation of global readiness. It ensures that applications, websites and systems are built from the start with multilingual and multicultural users in mind. Instead of rewriting or redesigning products for each market, internationalization allows them to be localized quickly and cost-effectively.

It typically involves designing systems to handle a wide range of linguistic and cultural requirements – such as Unicode support for all character sets, flexible layouts for right-to-left (RTL) languages, and dynamic formatting for dates, times, currencies and measurement units. Developers separate translatable text from code, so that linguists can work on content without affecting functionality. Internationalization also includes pre-localization testing techniques such as pseudo-localization, where placeholder translations are used to verify that interfaces can accommodate longer text strings and special characters. This proactive approach prevents costly rework later in the localization process and ensures a seamless experience for global users.

At RWS, we see internationalization as the first step in achieving global success. By combining linguistic expertise with deep technical knowledge, we help organizations design products and content that are ready for every language, region and audience – from day one.

Our strategic localization teams work closely with developers and UX designers to implement internationalization best practices. We use automation, AI-assisted testing and proven frameworks to ensure your applications are adaptable, efficient and market-ready. By balancing human insight with intelligent technology, RWS helps enterprises move beyond translation – building systems that are scalable, sustainable and globally intelligent.