Localisation, Internationalisation and Globalisation

This paper deals with Globalisation, Internationalisation, and Localisation; these terms are often used interchangeably, which is incorrect. Internationalisation is the step before localisation, while globalisation covers both internationalisation and localisation and is generally considered more as a strategy than a task. In this paper we will focus on one particular aspect of localisation, i.e. the effect of mainstream localisation efforts on people whose languages are not covered because they do not represent a market and are thus deprived of access to vital information. Very often important information to secure the health, freedom, education, and financial well-being of people does not reach many parts of the world and is only available in English. This paper raises awareness of inequality with reference to the digital dived, and describes the humanitarian goal of localisation. We introduce some not-for-profit organisations and describe the Rosetta Foundation as one example of how to address the digital divide and the problem of information poverty ignored by current mainstream administration efforts