Welcome to the LOCANUCU blog, your source for localization news you can actually use. In our July 21, 2025 roundup, we're tracking the rapid evolution of our industry. We’ll cover major AI developments, including Translated opening up its adaptive MT via API and new multilingual updates from Apple and Google. We'll also examine the hard lessons from Meta's recent translation blunder in India and discuss crucial industry events like the call for proposals for Elia Together and preparations for ALCA 2025. From championing women in game localization to the need for more inclusive Japanese, we're covering the stories that shape our global work.
- Translated has released an API for its adaptive MT model, LARA, through TranslationOS.
- The LARA API allows for real-time learning from human corrections to be integrated into third-party tools.
- Apple is expanding multilingual access for its AI features to enhance user experience globally.
- Google has launched Gemini Embedding 001, a new model for creating more sophisticated text embeddings.
- Meta faced political backlash in India after an Instagram auto-translation feature produced an offensive result.
- The Meta translation error involved a bio written in Malayalam, prompting the feature's suspension.
- A multilingual AI assistant built on AWS has been launched to provide essential information to refugees.
- The call for proposals for the Elia Together industry event is now officially open.
- Preparations are underway for the ALCA 2025 conference, focusing on language services in Africa.
- Industry discussions highlight how Africa is developing its own unique localization frameworks.
- The Women in Localization Madrid chapter organized a successful event focused on women in the gaming industry.
- The event highlights the continuous need for spaces dedicated to women in game localization.
- There is a growing call for more inclusive language and standards in Japanese translation and localization.
- The Jewish Book Council announced the winners of its award for Jewish literary translation.
- Localization leader Julio Leal advises linguists to specialize in a niche they are passionate about.
- Consultant James Matthew Brown reflects on the importance of adaptation in the localization industry.
- Smartling has announced a new webinar focusing on the application of AI in translation.
- Podcasting is gaining traction as a key medium for sharing knowledge within the localization industry.
- The creation of fictional languages (conlangs) is a vital element for creating immersive game worlds.
- A fun look at foreign words with humorous literal translations, such as the Icelandic word for computer ('prophetess of numbers').
- Industry leader Johan Botha discusses the strategic importance of the upcoming ALCA 2025 conference.
Today’s roundup begins with significant platform updates. Translated has announced that its adaptive machine translation model, LARA, is now accessible through an API integrated into TranslationOS. This development allows users to incorporate LARA’s capabilities, which learn from human corrections in real time, directly into their own environments and tools, promising a more seamless and dynamic translation workflow.
In major tech news, Apple is enhancing its AI features with broader multilingual access. The updates aim to make its ecosystem more intelligent and context-aware for users across different languages, signaling a continued push for global feature parity in AI development. Meanwhile, Google has launched Gemini Embedding 001, a new model designed for creating more effective and nuanced text embeddings, which could have considerable implications for multilingual search, retrieval-augmented generation, and clustering tasks.
However, the power of AI in translation also highlights its potential pitfalls. Meta recently faced political backlash in India due to a translation error. An Instagram feature automatically translated a user's bio from Malayalam, resulting in an offensive phrase that led to significant public criticism and the subsequent suspension of the feature. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for human oversight and cultural nuance in automated translation systems.
On a more constructive note, technology is being leveraged for humanitarian efforts. A new multilingual AI assistant, built on Amazon Web Services, has been developed to help refugees navigate essential services and information. This tool aims to break down language barriers for displaced populations, providing crucial support during resettlement.
The industry is also fostering community and discussion through various events. The call for proposals is now open for Elia Together, an upcoming industry gathering that brings together freelance language professionals and language service companies for networking and collaboration. In a similar spirit of connection, there's a growing conversation around the use of podcasting as a medium to share knowledge, trends, and voices within the localization community, offering an accessible platform for continuous professional development.
Focusing on regional developments, there is significant momentum around the language services industry in Africa. Organizers for the Association of Language Companies in Africa, or ALCA, are preparing for their 2025 conference. Discussions led by figures like Stefan Huyghe and Johan Botha emphasize how the continent is designing its own localization frameworks, moving beyond traditional models to create solutions tailored to its diverse linguistic landscape.
Spotlighting inclusivity, the Women in Localization Madrid chapter recently held a new event centered on women in game localization. The event underscored the ongoing need for dedicated spaces and events that support and elevate women in the gaming and localization sectors. Furthering the conversation on inclusion, a notable discussion has emerged on the need for more inclusive Japanese language services, pushing for standards that better reflect the diversity of speakers and identities within Japan. Another area of specialization, crafting fictional languages, or conlangs, for immersive game worlds, continues to be a fascinating intersection of creativity and linguistics, essential for building believable player experiences.
In literary translation, the Jewish Book Council has announced the winners of the National Jewish Book Award for Jewish literary translation, celebrating the skilled work of translators in bringing important literary works to new audiences.
We also hear from leaders shaping the industry's mindset. Localization leader Julio Leal encourages linguists to follow their passion, advising them to find a specialization they love and to continuously build their expertise in that niche. Echoing the sentiment of professional reflection, industry consultant James Matthew Brown shared his thoughts on the evolving nature of localization, urging professionals to adapt and embrace new challenges. For those looking to stay ahead of the AI curve, Smartling has announced a new AI webinar as part of its second series, designed to provide insights into leveraging artificial intelligence in translation workflows.
And to close out today's news with a bit of linguistic fun, a collection of foreign words with humorous literal meanings reminds us of the delightful quirks of language. For instance, the Dutch word for gloves, 'handschoenen,' literally translates to 'hand shoes,' while the Icelandic for computer, 'tölva,' is a portmanteau of 'tala' (number) and 'völva' (prophetess), creating the beautiful concept of a 'prophetess of numbers'.
That's a wrap on today's news. The key takeaways from our July 21, 2025 update are clear: AI integration is deepening with new tools from giants like Translated and Google, yet the need for human-centric, culturally aware localization has never been more evident. The industry continues to build community through vital events from ALCA and Elia, while conversations on inclusivity and specialization, championed by voices like Julio Leal and the Women in Localization team, are pushing us forward. For more actionable insights and to stay ahead of the curve, keep following LOCANUCU.