Internationalization and Localization of Websites: Navigation in English Language and Chinese Language Sites

Guidelines exist for the internationalization and localization of websites, but these do not mention possible changes in the layout of navigational elements on websites. Two studies were conducted to investigate the importance of navigational layout for Chinese and English language speakers. In the first study it was found that major Chinese and North American/European companies did not significantly adapt the navigation on their websites in relation to the target linguistic/cultural market. In the second study it was found that there were significant difference in the preferences of Chinese and English native speakers for navigational layout on websites. The implications of these studies are discussed.