Mobile and Devices Developer Center

Creating bi-directional text in Flash Lite

This article provides an overview of the process for localizing Flash Lite applications. As mobile device usage continues to grow exponentially on a global scale, more Flash Lite developers are realizing the need to localize their mobile content into various languages. I'll describe some common issues that you might encounter when translating mobile content, as well as describe some special case scenarios, such as working with bi-directional text in Flash Lite. I'll also cover some tips and tricks for making the localization process more efficient and describe how to separate your mobile content from the presentation layer to prepare it for localization.

Understanding localization

Wikipedia defines internationalization and localization with the following statement:

"In computing, internationalization and localization are the means of adapting computer software for non-native environments, especially other nations and cultures. Internationalization is the process of designing a software application so that it can be adapted to various languages and regions without engineering changes. Localization is the process of adapting software for a specific region or language by adding locale-specific components and translated text."

The meaning of localization extends beyond the changes made to content based on language differences—such as considering social and cultural influences. This includes editing the content to address issues of comprehensibility and cultural appropriateness, as well as revising the design for aesthetic differences. However, in this article I'll limit our discussion to the following key areas:

1. Standard approaches used to change text content
2. Managing mobile assets to streamline the localization process

Note: Mobile assets are defined as non-editable text elements in Flash Lite applications, including images and other related elements.

Reasons for localizing Flash Lite content

Adobe Flash Lite is the only technology that really pushes the limits by offering immersive user interaction that results in a rich mobile experience. Flash Lite-based localized content enables mobile users to access information quickly and easily, which allows organizations to communicate more effectively with their target user base. In addition, localized content gives content providers a leading edge in their respective regions.

Requirements

To make the most of this article, you'll need the following software and files:

Flash CS3 Professional

• Try
• Buy

Sample files:

• bi_directional_text.zip (ZIP, 1.3 MB)

Prerequisite knowledge
Prior experience working with Flash CS3 Professional and Flash Lite is advised. Basic ActionScript 2.0 knowledge is also recommended. This article is geared towards Flash Lite developers who wish to learn more about localizing their mobile content into multiple languages.

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