4

Having a locale-aware application starting up for a locale without translation, which behavior is best from the user experience point:

  • Fall back to a supported locale (and give the user the option to select another locale as well).
  • Fall back to a supported translation, and keep numbers, currencies, etc. in the user's default locale.

In other words: should the format of numbers, currencies, etc. follow the user's locale even if there is no translation available?


Example: Consider an application, in en-US, displaying "1,000.00 units". The application is now started on a device whose default locale is de-DE.

The correct translation would be "1.000,00 Einheiten" - but assume the application has not been translated into German, so "Einheiten" is unknown. Should the application now rather display "1,000.00 units" or "1.000,00 units"?

1 Answer 1

2

I think there is no right or wrong answer to this question - It depends on the context. If it is very important and a main task to show the correct locale format, go with it - If not, think about the fact that implementing the unit locales but not string locales will result in something like (de-de) "Created – Gestern", or, "Created – 18.12.2015" which can not only lessen trust in the product but also confuse user as to why there is a mix between languages or formats.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.