Language tags

Standardized codes that identify specific languages and regional variations for precise content targeting in localization.

Language tags are short codes that tell software what language and region a piece of text belongs to. These tags follow standards like IETF BCP 47 (for example, en-US for English as used in the US, fr-CA for Canadian French) and help apps, websites, and translation tools know which text to show to which users.

In localization, language tags are critical for switching content based on a user’s language or country. Tools like Localazy use language tags to organize translations, manage source and target languages, and deliver the right content to the right audience.

🗣️ What are language tags for? #️⃣

  • Identifying language and region (en-GB, es-ES, etc.)
  • Helping manage multiple locales
  • Telling the software what translation to use
  • Used in code, content files, and translation tools

Language tags make it possible for software to understand not just what language users speak, but also their specific regional preferences. This level of detail is what allows localization teams to create truly targeted experiences that feel natural to users in different markets, rather than generic translations that work everywhere but feel perfect nowhere.

Curious about software localization beyond the terminology?

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