Good & Evil of Localization

[Pavan K Balellugari <pavkb@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi all,

     For the past few weeks, i have been reading a lot
about Localization of Linux in indian languages on
this list.

     In one way the compelling argument is that, it
will help the indian people to compute in indian
language of choice. It will sure help a grandma to
send an e-mail in hindi or any other language to her
grandson in US. But the reality is, how many grandma's
have a computer, leave alone to type.

     The places i could see local languages being
useful, is like in the systems implemented in
andrapradesh, where a farmer or a fisherman would want
to look-up some info about some product. There again,
they should be literate enough to operate a computer. 

     Even though its exemplifying idea to localize,
unless there is good penetration of hardware, there is
no point, even if people could use local languages.

     The fun part i noticed is that there is an
argument that, there is more usage of computers in
china because of chinese localization. I guess this is
part of the reason. But the primary reason is that,
they could afford the machines, they have extremely
good infrastructure to support the usage of computer,
which sadly india lags. 

     I guess, that we need to focus more on developing
more useful systems in india, along with some
localization. My point is that, even if all the
languages in india are supported in linux @ every
level, still india will be behind in computer usage.

As an after thought, consider a scenario where a
chinese guys composes a document in chinese, with a
chinese aware wordprosessor, then sends it to some on
in europe or US in a chinese aware e-mail program. Now
what should the recipient do. He has to
convert/translate it to his/her local language. I am
not sure if systems have gone this far.

I guess, in one way localization is curse, just
because it reduces ur ability to communicate in
some-one else's language.

Regards

Pavan

     

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