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Tenali Rama To Birbal: How Childhood Tales Are Best Examples Of Localization 

When discussing localization, we often tend to view this process through a very corporate-centric lens. Which, albeit not incorrect, sometimes obstructs a more holistic understanding of the concept. Localization is an all-encompassing phenomenon which influences virtually every aspect of our lives, be it the products or services we use, poetry we read, stories we hear, songs we sing or even the foods that we eat. As one of the top providers of localization services in Bangalore, today, we will try to approach this concept in a totally different manner than how we have till now. How? We will try to understand the concept of localization through our childhood tales and fables. How exactly? Read on.

What Is Localization? 

Let’s start from the fundamentals – What is Localization? Localization is the process through which an element belonging to one culture blends into another culture or surroundings. This is true for individuals, businesses, literature, and virtually most other things. To get localized to a new culture or surroundings, the subject of localization accepts the cultural moorings, values and other defining traits of the new place.

To put it simply – something born in one place or culture becomes almost like a native to another place or culture through the process of localization. But how does this happen, and do we have any specific examples to show this? Absolutely.

Localization Of Tales 

We have all grown up on the tales of Akbar and Birbal. Many others of us have heard the stories of King Krishnadevaraya and Tenali Raman. Some of us have heard both. While chuckling to these witty tales, most of us have noticed remarkable similarities between them. But why? Because these favorite childhood tales were products of localization.

Tenali Ramakrishna, popularly known as Tenali Rama, was a minister and advisor to the court of King Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagaram. He formed one of the ashtadiggajas (eight grandees) in the royal court, and the tales of his wit were famous across the Southern parts of India. The tales of Tenali Rama were mainly aimed at children, and often carried moral lessons in an entertaining manner.

When the Mughals managed to reach the Deccan, they also came across these highly entertaining yet educational stories which were in vogue in that region. Eventually, these stories were picked up by the Mughal officials, scribes and scholars, and with them they traveled to the north. However, once these stories entered the northern part of the country, something happened. They changed, not so much in their content or values, but in their characters. The roles of Tenali Ramakrishna and Krishnadevaraya were switched by Birbal and Akbar. But why? Because the target audience, especially the children in the north, were more aware about Akbar and Birbal, and thus, could relate better with them. In a way, the stories were localized through this significant change.

This process, however, did not just stop here, but traveled eastward. In Bengal, the same popular tales found new characters – King Krishnachandra of Nadia and his court jester cum advisor – Gopal Bhand. This change, again, was done to ensure that the tales were more closely relatable to the local audiences of Bengal.

This is how localization works. While the example we used here is of stories, the same is true for music, poetry, art and even businesses or products. Through localization, an element is made more relatable to the target audience in a distant land or culture.

How Can Businesses Use Localization?

In the current globalized times, businesses can benefit greatly from localization to expand their presence in faraway markets and tap into new customers. Localization ensures that the services or products offered by a business appeal directly to the customers of the new market, and address their specific needs.

How To Localize?

However, one question still remains, how exactly can businesses localize themselves for new markets? Where do they start from? Localization is a holistic process which occurs at different levels simultaneously. This can range from translating the marketing material to altering the UI of the business website to suit a new country. As such, it can be a daunting and difficult process to follow. However, there is no reason to be disappointed, as there are dedicated localization services in Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and other business hubs who specialise exactly in this. These localization service providers help businesses in their localization process with the help of experts from various fields – ranging from translators to seasoned web developers.

FAQs

1 – Can businesses in service sectors also localize for new markets?

Absolutely. Businesses dealing in the service sector can also localize by making their services more focused on the requirements of the new market and curating the brand communication accordingly.

2 – Is localization same as translation?

No. Localization is a greater process, while translation is just one part of it. Localization deals with the culture, traditions, language, ethos, beliefs, customs and requirements of a market. But translation is only for the language aspect.

3 – How do the professional localization services in Bangalore help businesses?

Localization services in Bangalore help by providing the businesses with a proper road-map to localize themselves for a new audience. Further, they help by implementing the road-map with the help of expert translators, marketing specialists, content creators, web designers and software developers.

4 – Which are the best localization companies in Bangalore?

When it comes to localization companies in Bangalore, a name that appears at the very top of the list is that of Bhasha Bharati Arts. Well reputed for its expert team of seasoned localization experts and industry specialists, Bhasha Bharati Arts is a name that is trusted by the best businesses for localization.

Wrap Up

Localization helps something originating in one place to be relatable to the people of another place or culture. Businesses, in particular, can benefit from localization to expand their footprint.

If you are a business owner who is looking for the right agency to help you in your localization efforts, then your search ends here. Get in touch with Bhasha Bharati Arts, connect with the industry experts and tailor your business for the new target market effortlessly.

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