Facebook I18N: Way More Than A Token Gesture

Tokens (markers that are replaced at run-time by other text or values) in strings can be the bane of a translator’s life if used incorrectly because they frustrate a correct translation being made. However, I love the way that the Facebook translation tool allows you to comment on their use as you translate. 

Looking at the options below for commenting on token use is an education in itself (the tokens concerned are {number} and {chat-service-name}).

This approach allows users to comment as much on the effectiveness of the internationalization (i18n) practice as on the quality of the translation.

Facebook’s internationalization best practices for developers are here.

Ultan O Broin
Ultan Ó Broin (@localization), is an independent UX consultant. With three decades of UX and L10n experience and outreach, he specializes in helping people ensure their global digital transformation makes sense culturally and also reflects how users behave locally. Any views expressed are his own. Especially the ones you agree with.

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