Hello,
I am a translation student interested in localization.
I would like to ask how professional translators address cultural differences when working on localization projects.
To what extent do you prioritize cultural adaptation over literal accuracy?
Thank you.
This is Carlos from Transifex support, I know that maybe someone else could help you with your question.
What we found related to your question is that in localization, professionals prioritize functional equivalence over literal accuracy, meaning the “feel” and intent of the message matter more than the exact words. They adapt cultural references, idioms, and even visual elements (like colors or icons) to ensure the content feels native to the target audience. While technical or legal texts require higher literal precision for safety, marketing and creative content are often transcreated heavily rewritten to maintain the original emotional impact while conforming to local social norms.
Hope this helps you.
Best regards,
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Thank you, Carlos. Your clarification was very helpful.
Hi @sondos_abuturki good to read that it helped you 
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