FAQs

Because of the complexity of localization process especially for bi-directional languages, a lot of questions are sent to us about our services, target languages, QA model, etc. In this  FAQs section you will find the answer for some general issues. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Are there several types of Arabic, or one that is neutral?

As a bi-directional language, what are the expected problems when 
localizing a software application into Arabic?

What languages can you localize to?

What are the Arabic supported DTP applications?

What quality control procedures followed at JudiME?

Are there several types of Arabic, or one that is neutral?
There are two types of Arabic:

	Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), This is the modern literary  language, which is written and spoken throughout the contemporary  Arab world. It is used in formal speeches, school instruction,  intellectual life, literature, government offices and in news reports  on TV and radio.
	Colloquial Arabic, This is the spoken language and it is divided into  several dialects. These dialects differ in various degrees. In some  cases, people have problems understanding other dialects.

Arabic writing is the same for all Arab countries. However, the speaking of 
Arabic may differ slightly and therefore different country's culture must be 
implemented. This is the case for month names, which are different in North 
Africa, around the Nile Valley area and in the Middle Eastern countries.
For almost all localization projects, we use the Modern Standard Arabic, 
as it is the language that all Arabs can talk and understand.

As a bi-directional language, what are the expected problems when 
localizing a software application into Arabic? 
The Arabic script presents major and specific processing problems 
that are not encountered in Latin based languages. The main Arabic 
language support problems are the following: character code set, character 
shaping and text direction algorithms, Global screen direction and mirror 
effect, dual keyboard management, and optical character recognition.
For more details, see “Localization and Internationalization problems for 
the Arabic language”.

We provide extensive re-engineering and testing to ensure that localized 
versions of your product function properly. We offer localization engineering 
services at our site and at customer site as well.

What languages can you localize to?
We specialize in English Arabic translation. In the meantime we provide 
DTP services for the Arabic, Farsi and Urdo languages.

What are the Arabic supported DTP applications?
QuarkXPress (Mac platform), InDesign ME, PageMaker ME, Corel Draw, 
Adobe PhotoShop and MS office.

What quality control procedures followed at JudiME?
We believe that quality is the most important factor in the localization 
process, thus Quality is something we cannot compromise. To ensure 
quality standards are met, for example, in a translation job:

	Only use native-speaking translators who understand language  and culture and with subject-area expertise.
	During translation, spot check revision is to be done for sample  pieces.
	After translation completion, editors verify that the source text  was correctly understood and conveyed.
	Lastly, proofreaders final-check the translation.