Coding to allowing for bi-directional language localization

Text written in languages such as Arabic and Hebrew read from right to left. These languages are referred to as bidirectional languages. However, though the text is written from right to left, the numbers are generally written left to right. Additionally, if there are other languages such as English included in the product or software, these retain their original left to right orientation.

This can cause many problems when localizing software. Essentially, user interfaces and report layouts that are originally designed for a left-to-right audience and are being localized for Middle Eastern markets, should be mirror imaged, that is the information on the left should be swapped to the right and vice versa. The direction of writing influences how information should be placed on the screen and in reports. For left to right (LTR) languages, the most important information is usually placed in the upper-left and the least important in the lower right. This is because the eye begins scanning in the upper left and will therefore see that information first. However, right-to-left readers will start scanning in the upper right and the most important information should therefore be placed there. Coding that allows mirror imaging to be accomplished quickly and easily is part of the internationalization process.