L10n:Localization Process

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Mozilla's localization (L10n for short) objective is to offer Mozilla applications to as many users as possible in their language. By doing so, we create a world where the open web exists beyond linguistic, cultural, and geographical boundaries. We also pride ourselves on making sure that each user will love their experience with Mozilla products, regardless of language and region. We characterize this user experience as learning about, discovering, installing, using, and continually updating their Mozilla products to their latest released versions. As an open source project, we work closely with volunteer contributors who also care about the open web to accomplish our objective. Their contributions to our L10n effort make having an open and accesible web possible. Without their help, the web and Mozilla would not be what it is today. With their help, we can open the web to all and protect users all over the world together. The nature of the mozilla L10n program is deeply rooted in collaboration between volunteer localizers and a lean team of mozilla staff called the L10n drivers. The process that makes this collaboration efficient and strong can be described in four stages: an initial desire to localize Firefox, the actual localization work, pushing localized versions toward official release status, and maintaining Firefox while jumping into more projects.

Starting a L10n effort

A L10n community is born.

Localizing a project

How mozilla and you localize Firefox.

Localized release schedule

Putting your localization into the user's hands.

Post-release

More ways to contribute after your first release.

These four stages make up the whole L10n program. To learn more about any of these, following the links above. To get the big picture, we suggest you start with the green bubble and move from stage to stage.

Since we actively promote open-source values, we are always looking trying to improve our efforts and encourage you to express yourself by commenting on the L10n forum or joining the discusion on the IRC #l10n channel.