World Wide Web – the word “World” says so much about the purpose of the Internet. Connecting people across the globe used to be a challenge for many years. This has changed with the invention of devices to communicate. But there was a problem: language barriers. This didn’t stop the intelligent minds of the human race from developing pieces of tech to break the wall that divides us.
We live in a hyper-connected world. Absorbing this truth from a web developer’s perspective is an eye-opener. A website or app developed for a single form of communication can still be functional, but it won’t transcend linguistic and geographical boundaries.
Did you know that 60% of global consumers prefer browsing websites in their native language? That’s why, for your app or website to see the light of day, you should be able to cater to diverse audiences. You would want to go global, especially if you create a platform people use for productivity, such as Progressive Web Apps.
Business owners whose goal is to reach a broad user base would always aim to expand globally. However, this introduces potential obstacles, including a language barrier. A diverse linguistic landscape is always a challenge for businesses wanting to infiltrate the global market.
What does this mean for PWA developers? App development involves a lot of moving parts. How complicated would it be to throw native language support into the mix? From writing systems that read from right to left down to foreign languages that don’t display correctly on browsers. Every execution must be well-thought-out to make your PWA functional in different languages.
Catering to a diverse group of users is a difficult task when it comes to PWA development. But if you have the right tools and resources, you’ll surely thrive. Business owners should first remember that they’re creating a platform not only to market it. As a business aiming to reach a global audience, you have to ensure that the audience you want to cater to would understand you. That should be the central purpose.
We’ve seen many business entities succeed in this challenge of developing PWAs. How did they manage to do it? Here are some strategies they may have adopted:
Internationalization (i18n) is the process of designing and developing software so it can be adapted for users of different cultures and languages. This is a critical development phase if you’re targeting a global market. With that in mind, adapting a wide range of strategies to execute internationalization is essential.
This can be done through dynamic content rendering and proper implementation of language tags in your codes. If done correctly, this can result in the efficient facilitation of straightforward text translation, images, and other elements.
While linguistic differences are a significant factor in language barriers, cultural diversity also plays a part in this obstacle. Businesses that contract PWA developers should also consider hiring cultural consultants. All involved in the project should study the culture of the people they intend to target with their PWA.
This collaboration may involve different conversations, such as the thematic and aesthetic feel of the user interface, consideration of what content elements are appropriate to a specific region, and incorporation of culturally relevant elements into the user experience.
Global users should be able to switch to their preferred language without hassle. An intricate software development plan can bolster this feature. The language switcher should be located where users won’t easily miss it. The usage of universally accepted icons that represent language switchers should be implemented. These small details can make a huge difference.
Integrating a geolocation detector can elevate a user’s experience with your PWA. Not only would it allow users to see localized content, but it could also be an alternative way to show content in the users' local language. This gives users complete control of their preferences, which can create a positive experience.
Platforms that help translate web pages automatically are an excellent tool for improving multilingual support. Translation management systems are more powerful than ever, thanks to artificial intelligence. Utilizing these platforms can help efficiently automate translation. But software, just like any other machine, can be imperfect sometimes. Working hand in hand with a human who understands the local culture and language of the people your PWA is targeting is still a great option.
In their most versatile form, Progressive Web Apps can lead the way to a more inclusive user experience. Multilingual support not only brings success to your market venture but also gives access to a diverse group of people to your product in the best way possible.
Miggy started freelancing for a lifestyle blog and an SEO reseller. Now, as the digital content writer for a software development company, he loves translating complex concepts into engaging narratives. His adaptability and trend-awareness drive him to improve his craft in the dynamic world of digital communication.
Mike Hogan
August 28, 2024
