Linguistic Testing
Testing localized software for translation quality, accuracy, and cultural appropriateness.
Definition
Linguistic testing (also called linguistic QA or LQA) evaluates the quality of translations in context within the software. Native-speaking testers verify: translation accuracy, fluency, terminology consistency, cultural appropriateness, and that translations fit the UI properly. It's distinct from functional testing—linguistic testing assumes features work, focusing only on language quality.
Examples
- →In-context review: verify translations make sense in UI
- →Terminology check: consistent use of glossary terms
- →Truncation: identify text that doesn't fit
- →Cultural: flag inappropriate content for market
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should do linguistic testing?
Native speakers of the target language with product knowledge. Options: in-house speakers, LSP testing services, crowdsourced testers, or professional LQA vendors. Cost vs quality tradeoff—critical products warrant professional LQA.
What's the difference between LQA and localization testing?
LQA focuses on language quality (is the translation good?). Localization testing is broader: includes LQA plus functional testing (does the feature work in this locale?), cosmetic testing (does it display correctly?), and compliance testing.