Although localization services and solutions extend across borders, languages, and industries, one of the most surprising things about localization is that it still remains a rather mysterious industry. If you are ashamed to admit confusion about what exactly the localization industry entails, take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone (and that there are resources out there to find out more—for some localicious examples, see here, here, and here).

This is quite shocking considering that the market research firm Common Sense Advisory predicts that this $26 billion market will continue to rise, reaching $38 billion by 2015. With such growth amidst a turbulent global economic climate, even students are showing a growing interest in localization. Already in schools across the globe there is an increased focus on foreign language studies, translation, and language services. Students who are interested in learning how to competently help businesses achieve international success should consider a career in localization.

This summer, the University of Washington announced one of their newest certificate programs in localization, offered by the Professional & Continuing Education school. The three-course, nine-month program offers flexible options for students interested in enrolling—classes are available in the evening and online, in addition to a traditional classroom setting. The course covers:

Don’t forget to take the trash out with today’s Wacky Word Wednesday, a weekly celebration of the wackiest and most interesting words from around the world!

From TermWiki.com, the definition of today’s wacky word:

gar·bol·o·gy [gahr-bol-uh] -noun the study of the trash discarded by a person or society to learn what it reveals about social or cultural patterns

Garbology is said to have its roots in the University of Arizona, beginning as a class project for two students in 1973. Soon after, Professor William Rathje established the first field of study focused on garbology. Rathje believes the study of garbage is a major source of information about human nature and society.

One of CSOFT’s most lovable team members is here to share some localization tips from a project manager’s perspective. Read on to see what Cristina has to say about staying informed, making time for gossip, and smart approaches.

If you have ever been curious about what uses the belly button might have, get ready for today’s Wacky Word Wednesday, a weekly celebration of the wackiest and most interesting words from around the world!

The definition of today’s wacky word from TermWiki.com:

om·pha·lo·skep·sis [om-fuh-loh-skep-sis] -noun contemplation of one’s navel as an aid to meditation

From combining the Greek omphalos, which means “navel” and –skepsis, which means “to reflect, look view,” research suggests that omphaloskepsis is a relatively new word, originating in the 1920s. Similarly, the term omphalomancy holds the same Greek root and is used to define “the art of foretelling the future by reading the navel.” In modern speech, we might hear the term navel gazing thrown around, which assumes the definition “excessive introspection, self-absorption, or concentration on a single issue.”

The TermWiki bee has been busily buzzing around this summer, working hard to provide users with new and improved additions to the world’s fastest growing social learning network. Below is a recap of what’s new at TermWiki:

1. TermWiki speaks with the pronunciation feature available in 20 languages

As a social learning network, one TermWiki’s long-terms goals is to provide users with access to a variety of learning tools. We understand that everyone has different approaches to learning and work hard to demonstrate our understanding of this. The pronunciation feature offers additional support to learners by allowing users to hear how a term is pronounce in twenty different languages, including major world languages, such as English, French, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, German, and Japanese.

2. The Wall is a one-stop shop that makes it easy for users to see all of the latest updates on TermWiki.

Recent visitors to TermWiki may have noticed the website’s welcome page was recently restructured to include the TermWiki Wall. The Wall allows visitors to see the latest updates to the site via a real-time feed, including term and translation contributions, new questions or answers to AnswerBea, the latest forum post, announcements, new additions to the community, etc.

Today’s Wacky Word Wednesday, a weekly celebration of the wackiest and most interesting words from around the world, is a lesson in health, hygiene and…bad air?

Before we get started, here is the definition from TermWiki.com:

mi·as·ma [mahy-az-muh] -noun Noxious vapors from decomposing organic matter polluting the atmosphere; foreboding, unwholesome or oppressive atmosphere

This word originated in the 1660s, from the Greek miasma, which means a stain or pollution; the word miainein, which is its verb form, means to pollute or to stain.

In the old days, it was believed that diseases were “caused by bad air from decomposing organic matter, as in a swamp.” Malaria, as an example, actually is derived from the Italian mala aria, meaning bad air. This concept is known as the miasma theory, originating during the Middle Ages and carrying on as the most prevalent theory that explained the spread of diseases through the next couple of centuries.

Today’s Wacky Word Wednesday post is anything but a boondoggle… scout’s honor!

From TermWiki.com, the definition of today’s wacky word:

boon·dog·gle [boon-daw-uhl] -noun product of simple manual skill; work of little or no value done merely to keep or look busy

Boondoggle is said to have been coined by an American scoutmaster, R.H. Link, in 1935. Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America is one of the United States’ leading youth development organizations; the goal of the organization is to prepare youth for the “ethical and moral choices” they may need to make in their lifetime by fostering a set of values in them through the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Some research proposes that boondoggle is derived from the word woggle, which is used to describe a “neckerchief fastener,” specifically that of a Boy Scouts.