We live in a world where almost 7151 languages are spoken, and thanks to the collaborative efforts of new technologies. Language barriers in scientific, medical, and cultural progress are not found. The translation industry plays an essential role in breaking these boundaries and expanding the borders. And globalization and internationalization are two such ways through which it can be accomplished.
Both these terms are easily confused, and we often question what is globalization and internationalization. In reality they hold an essential place in the industry. Read this blog further to know what globalization and internationalization are and the difference between globalization and internationalization.
What is Globalization?
Globalization refers to the process by which goods and services, ideas, and knowledge are spread all around the World. Globalization has two meanings. As you know, the Globalization term in business field is applied to describe integrated economies. That are marked by free trade and easy access to foreign markets and resources to maximize benefits and returns for goods and services. But in the translation and localization industry, globalization focuses on activities related to marketing your products and services in regional markets.
In the translation industry, globalization focuses on product development. It has always been an essential aspect of translation. To effectively address globalization in the translation industry. Professional translators and localization experts must have a deep understanding of the target culture. And the ability to convey the intended message across cultural and linguistic barriers.
Also, technological advancements have played a crucial role in facilitating globalization. With the emergence of machine translation tools and translation management systems enabling us to have more efficient communication across languages and cultures.
What is Internationalization?
Internationalization refers to the process of designing and developing products or services in a way that makes them easily adaptable to multiple languages and cultural contexts. In the translation industry, internationalization involves anticipating the need for localization and translation from the beginning of the product or service development process.
It includes considering cultural and linguistic differences and designing your products or services to be flexible enough to accommodate these differences. Also involving date and time formats, currencies, symbols, and other localization specific to foreign markets so that you can blend in easily.
Internationalization is an essential process in the localization and translation process. As it ensures that your source content is prepared for translation and can be easily adapted to different target languages and cultures. Proper internationalization can help reduce your time and cost of translation. While also improving the overall quality of your localized product.
What are the differences between globalization and internationalization?
As mentioned above, globalization and internationalization are usually linked together. But in reality, they both serve different purposes. The internationalization process is done when the individual firm seeks to expand beyond the national market.
And globalization is that process that accelerates the flow and exchange of products or services, capital, and free trade, across the globe. World economy has turned into an autonomous system due to globalization.
Here we will discuss the differences between globalization and internationalization.
Understanding Internationalization and Globalization in Business Expansion
The process of Internationalization is developing adaptable products and services that can be distributed, viewed, purchased, and consumed by people from different foreign markets that facilitate expansion.
Globalization implies the geographical movements of goods and services, knowledge, cultural values, and money across the globe.
Firm-centric Expansion vs. Global Economic Integration
Internationalization process is all about the individual firm and its business. Because in the process of internationalization, the individual firm aims to enter the international market and become a part of the global economy.
On the other hand, globalization has to deal with the world economy. Because it connects the global economies of the World for free trade and syncs the rules and regulations of various nations.
Impact of Cultural Factors and Infrastructure on Internationalization and Globalization
The process of Internationalization is greatly affected by the preferences, tastes, traditions, and cultural values of the target country. Compared to internationalization, logistics, telecommunication network, availability of labour, and infrastructural facilities are essential factors that affect globalization.
Internationalization and Globalization in Economic Dynamics
Internationalization pushes the world economy towards globalization as there is an increase in the presence of individual firms. On the other hand, globalization results in the removal of trade barriers, the emergence of the free market, and increased migration.
Internationalization for Business Expansion and Globalization for Global Movements
The main aim of the internationalization process is expansion of business in foreign markets. Whereas globalization aims at the movements of goods and services, capital, and people.
Conveniently we can say that, Globalization and Internationalization are two peas in a pod. These processes serve entirely different purposes, globalization refers to the interdependence between the world economy and culture.
And internationalization refers to when an individual firm sells its product or service across borders, and imports products or services from foreign countries. This type of firm is said to be in the process of internationalization. Both these processes go hand in hand and should be used in a business that tends to expand globally.
We hope this article helps you better understand the basics of globalization and Internationalization. Reach us at info@naargmedia.com to learn more about our services.
