What is localization in translation? Explanation on its relation to medical translation!

When discussing industrial translation, especially IT translation and marketing translation, "localization" is an essential element.
Therefore, this time we will introduce the relationship between localization and medical translation.

Table of Contents

1. What is localization?
1-1. Provide translations optimized for the target country.
1-2. Contribute to rapid global releases
2. What are the localization elements required for medical translation?
2-1. The first priority is to accurately convey specialized content, while eliminating cultural elements.
2-2. In cases where it is necessary to respect culture and language
2-3. International Collaborative Clinical Trials Requiring Prompt Response
3. Summary
3-1. Translation services from Human Science with a wealth of experience and know-how in localization and tool utilization.
3-2. Leave your medical translation to Human Science
4. Introduction to Human Science's Medical Translation

1. What is localization?

When you look up "localize" in a dictionary, the Digital Daijisen defines it as "regionalization", and when you look up "regionalization", it says "to make software developed for one language compatible with another language...".
On the other hand, when you look up "localize" in the Practical Japanese Expression Dictionary, it says "to adapt products and services to a specific region or language. It is often used in the IT industry as a business term. This includes translating software and websites and making changes to design to fit the culture and language of the region."
In a narrow sense, it refers to the development of multilingual versions of software, and in a broader sense, it can be said to refer to optimizing for the culture and language of the target country when expanding websites, products, and services to other countries.

1-1. Provide translations optimized for the target country

Definitionally, it seems that localization is achieved when translations are made for software UIs, websites, and product documentation.
However, nowadays, it is required to go one step further and "optimize for the culture and language of the target country" including design and marketing strategies.
In translation, for example, by considering slang derived from TV programs in the original country so that it resonates with readers in the target country, or by taking into account the target country's religion and ethics when translating advertising copy, a more natural translation can be achieved.

1-2. Contribute to rapid global releases

The emphasis on localization is due to the fact that companies must carry out the development of multilingual versions of software, as well as the expansion of websites, products, and services to other countries, more quickly.
In order to fulfill the mission of such companies, translation must also be carried out quickly while optimizing for the culture and language of the target country.

2. What are the localization elements required for medical translation?

First and foremost, it goes without saying that regulations, product specifications, and manufacturer service systems vary by country, so it is necessary to address them accordingly.
Are there any other required elements?

2-1. The first priority is to accurately convey specialized content, while eliminating cultural elements.

The mechanism of action of pharmaceuticals and the specifications of medical devices handled in medical translation are generally universal, and the first priority is to ensure that there are no differences in content regardless of language.
On the contrary to translating with respect to cultures and languages of different countries, it becomes important to accurately convey specialized content by eliminating the influence of cultural and linguistic differences.
For example, when translating a paper into English for submission to an overseas medical journal, there is a risk of not being accepted even if the research content is excellent if it is translated under the influence of Japan's unique ambiguous expressions and thinking patterns.

2-2. If a translation that respects culture and language is necessary

On the other hand, when the reader is not a healthcare professional, for example, on a website introducing pharmaceuticals to the general public, there may be situations where a sense of translation is needed using catchy phrases that match the Japanese sensibility, such as when introducing examples of improved QOL for patients due to pharmaceuticals.
Even for content aimed at healthcare professionals, in blogs, lectures, interviews, and training content, there are times when translations need to take into account Japanese culture and the characteristics of the Japanese language.
In general, the statements of English-speaking doctors in lectures and interviews often feel more natural when translated into slightly more polite language in Japanese.

2-3. International Collaborative Clinical Trials Requiring Prompt Response

By the way, if we were to give an example of a concept similar to the "rapid global release of products and services" mentioned earlier, it would be "international collaborative clinical trials" for pharmaceuticals.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's document "What are international collaborative clinical trials?", it is defined as "clinical trials planned with the aim of developing and approving new drugs on a global scale, in which multiple medical institutions from different countries or regions participate and conduct simultaneous parallel clinical trials based on a common trial implementation plan. It mainly targets phase III trials."
The purpose of this is to overcome the so-called drug lag, where some countries are delayed in approving new drugs, by formulating a unified implementation plan in the country where the trial is conducted and conducting the trial simultaneously worldwide.
In clinical trials, a large number of documents such as pharmacokinetic studies, toxicity studies, safety reports, trial drug summaries, trial implementation plans, informed consent documents, overall trial reports, and case reports are generated, so rapid translation of these documents is also required.

3. Summary

3-1. Translation services from Human Science, equipped with a wealth of localization and tool utilization experience and know-how.

Human Science has accumulated years of experience and know-how in the localization of IT major companies and the multilingual translation of documents related to products and services of major and global companies.
Translation and Localization Achievements | Human Science

In addition, we have accumulated a track record and know-how in the development and development of translation support tools, machine translation, and check tools, and have handled many translation and document creation projects.
Translation Service Features | Human Science Co., Ltd.

3-2. Leave medical translation to Human Science

Human Science Co., Ltd. provides high-quality translation services in the field of medical translation using "highly specialized individuals × reputable translation technology".

Our medical translation service, which combines high-precision and speedy technology with excellent translation staff, can also meet the needs required for localization.

4. Introduction to Human Science's Medical Translation

At Human Science, we offer human translation services and post-edit services. We utilize translation support (CAT) tools such as Trados and Phrase TMS (formerly known as Memsource), as well as automatic translation tools, to improve efficiency and quality of translation, and contribute to the further development of our clients.
If you have any concerns or interests, please feel free to contact us.

Medical Translation Services
Post-editing Services

In addition, we also provide information on medical/medical translation as follows. Please use it.