Linguistic testing
Description
Linguistic testing takes localization beyond literal translation. It’s the final step in ensuring that a product, website or piece of content feels truly native to each market.
This process involves expert linguists and In-country review reviewers evaluating translated text in its real context – inside software interfaces, websites, mobile apps or multimedia content. They check for Linguistic quality, layout issues, truncation, mistranslations and formatting errors, as well as cultural relevance and consistency with approved terminology. Linguistic testing is typically performed after Functional testing, when all technical validation is complete. It confirms that the user experience (UX) – from button labels and error messages to marketing headlines – feels fluent, intuitive and on-brand.
Example use cases
- Software: Verify text display, tone and context across interfaces.
- Web: Review headlines, menus and navigation in multiple languages.
- Marketing: Ensure creative adaptation aligns with brand voice and emotional tone.
- Ecommerce: Validate that localized product descriptions and checkout flows read naturally.
- Regulation: Check accuracy of legal, medical or compliance terminology.
Key benefits
RWS perspective
At RWS, linguistic testing is where precision meets perception. It’s how we make sure every localized product, interface and campaign reads as if it were created in-market – not just translated.
Our in-country linguists, QA specialists and subject-matter experts work together to evaluate context, tone and meaning across all digital touchpoints. By combining human linguistic expertise with AI-assisted review tools, we accelerate quality checks while maintaining the nuance that only people can deliver. From enterprise software to international marketing content, RWS ensures that every word looks, sounds and feels right – empowering brands to engage audiences authentically, everywhere they operate.