Glossary

Source language

The source language is the original language of a text or file that is translated into one or more target languages. It is the starting point for all translation and localization processes, providing the reference for meaning, tone and context.

Description

In localization, the source language forms the foundation for accurate and consistent translation. Translators and linguists rely on the source text’s structure, terminology and intent to create equivalent versions in target languages.

High-quality source content is essential for efficient translation. Clear, well-structured writing and consistent terminology reduce ambiguity, improve translation memory (TM) leverage and minimize errors. Conversely, unclear or inconsistent source text can result in slower workflows and rework. At RWS, the source language is carefully managed within Trados and Language Weaver platforms. These technologies ensure accurate segment alignment, maintain linguistic consistency and allow teams to track relationships between source and target content – supporting precise, efficient multilingual delivery.