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Internationalization Guide


Images To Avoid In Graphics and Icons

To design graphics and icons that are accepted worldwide, be cautions of the items mentioned in the following sections:

Images Of Animals

Different locales often attribute different attributes to animals. In the West, the pig is considered dirty and lazy, but in China, unintelligent and easily cheated. In Taiwan, the owl is considered brutal, but in the United States, wise. Using images of pigs, owls, and other animals in applications to be deployed in multiple locales might confuse users.

Images Based On Puns Or Word Play

Do not create graphics that are based on puns or word play. For example, using the symbol of a scale for “change size proportionally.” The word for scale and the word for “changing size proportionally” might not have the same relationship in another language. In the United Kingdom, for example, a scale is called a “balance.” Do not assume that any phrase is universal. In the United States it is clear that an “Exit” sign is directing you “out,” but in Taiwan or Ireland this sign might read “Way Out.”

Images Of Body Parts Or Gestures

Some cultures consider certain body parts or gestures offensive. For example, in the United States it is rude to point with the middle finger. In the Middle East it is rude to point with the index finger. In some cultures it is rude to extend a thumb. For this reason, flight attendants point with an index finger and middle finger together. Some cultures consider the sole of a shoe, an elbow, or even the palm of the hand offensive.

Considering the number of countries, villages, and neighborhoods in the world, each with its own social etiquette, it is safer to avoid these images altogether.

Images Biased Towards a Particular Culture Or Region

Do not use images biased towards any one culture or region. For example, should the image of a world map have North America at the center or Asia? It might be a better idea to use an image that does not place one particular country or continent at the center.

References To Sports

References to sports are misleading and confusing. Some sports are only known regionally. For example, baseball, cricket, and sumo wrestling are known in specific geographic areas. A reference to “home run” to imply success is clearly culturally biased. Users from countries that do not play baseball would not understand this reference.

Symbols Related To Religion Or Culture

Do not use symbols related to religion or culture. They might be misunderstood or even give offense. For example, in some cultures birds symbolize bad luck, and in other cultures a skull and crossbones represents danger.

You should also consider the significance of certain numbers. For example, in some countries the number 13 is considered unlucky. Buildings often do not have a floor 13. The number 86 is often used to imply removing or stopping something as in “86 it.” In parts of Asia the number 4 is pronounced the same as the word for death and is considered morbid. Not all numbers have a negative connotation. Some people consider the number 7 to be lucky.

Unless you have done an extensive study of numbers and their meanings in many cultures, you should avoid this type of reference to numbers or symbols.


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