Tackling Multiple Dialects and Pluricentric Languages in Indonesian Game Localization

Localizing an Indonesian game without understanding its dialects is like singing off-key—the result is unpleasant and grating to the ears. That's why it's essential to pay close attention to these details when planning to localize your game to Indonesian. Did you know that Indonesia has more than 700 regional languages? This means there are thousands of different dialects spread across the country. Even within Java, the languages spoken can be highly diverse.

For example, the Javanese dialect spoken in Yogyakarta will sound different from Sundanese Javanese in other regions. Thus, understanding this diversity is not just an option but a necessity for those aiming to enter the Indonesian gaming market. Why? Because a game's reception in the local market is often influenced by how well the game can communicate with players in a language that is familiar to them. If in-game translations or dialogue sound foreign or don't match the player’s dialect, this can reduce satisfaction and ruin the gaming experience.

What Are Dialects and Pluricentric Languages?

Indonesia is known as a country that has many ethnic or tribal groups. Each tribe often has its own regional language. This regional language continues to develop because many speakers are geographically different or have different levels and social environments. Over time, differences emerged between linguistic community groups within the same ethnic group. The differences in language varieties within one ethnic group's language are known as dialects.

Dialects are variations of language that differ according to the language usage of a particular region, social group, or certain period. The dialect of an area can be identified based on the sound system spoken. Differences in dialects occur in all aspects of language, namely phonology, spelling and pronunciation, morphology and syntax, vocabulary and proverbs (idioms), and pragmatics (language use). Various dialects can arise due to the mother tongue of the language speaker. There are many dialects spread across Indonesia, including:

• Betawi Indonesian dialect
• Medan Malay dialect, Ambon Malay, Palembang Malay
• Toba Batak dialect, Karo Batak
• Cirebon Javanese dialect, Tegal Javanese, Solo Javanese, Semarang Javanese, Yogyakarta Javanese, and Surabaya Javanese.

Meanwhile, pluricentric acts as an intermediary bridging between "language" and "dialect." A key characteristic of a pluricentric language is that it exists in two or more countries. For instance, Indonesian and Malay share the same roots but have evolved into distinct standards in Indonesia and Malaysia.

The Importance of Pluricentric Dialects and Languages ​​in Indonesian Game Localization

If you are targeting the Indonesian market, a "one size fits all" translation method will not be enough. Indonesian game localization will help you to change your game into a local language and culture so that it will really "connect" with players here. Well, it is here that pluricentric dialects and languages have to be understood.

Indonesia is a very diverse country, be it in culture or language. Indonesian itself is one of the pluricentric languages, wherein even if it is used across the archipelago, many varieties and dialects differ in each region. What sounds normal and familiar to players in Jakarta may feel foreign or even foreign to players in Yogyakarta or Surabaya, even though they are both from Java.

The people of Yogyakarta use the Mataraman Javanese dialect, while in Surabaya they use the Arekan Javanese dialect, which is very strong with the stigma of rude Javanese. In many words whose initial syllable contains the letters 'u' and 'i', they will be read as 'o' as in the word soto 'and 'e' as in the word sate (satay) in the Arekan dialect but are read as is in the Mataraman dialect.

Then, what about slang terms or special vocabulary? Imagine if you translated a game using Indonesian that was too stiff or formal—the result could be that the game loses its authenticity and doesn't 'resonate' with the players. Or worse, one of the terms you use turns out to have a different connotation in another area, which could lead to misunderstandings or even offend feelings.

For this reason, understanding and respecting pluricentric dialect and language variations is very important in the Indonesian game localization process. Not only to maintain the authenticity of the game but also to ensure that your game is well-received by various groups of players across the country.

How to Successfully Incorporate Regional Dialects into Indonesian Game Localization

As previously explained, leveraging local dialects in the localization process can increase your chances of success in the area, especially if your goal is to better connect with the local community and sound more authentic.

1. Work with a Team of Native Indonesian Language Experts

When you plan the Indonesian game localization, one of the keys to success is ensuring that your game sounds natural and fits the local culture. But how? One of the best tips is to involve a game localization agency that has a team of native Indonesian language experts. Why is this important? Because only native speakers truly understand the nuances of the local language and culture. They can help you translate idioms, cultural references, and special terms that may be difficult for outsiders to understand. With their help, you can ensure that your game is not only translated well but also really 'speaks' to players in Indonesia. So, if you want your Indonesian game localization to be successful, don't hesitate to ask for help from local experts who have mastered the field.

2. Create a Comprehensive Glossary

By having a glossary, you can ensure that certain terms and expressions are used consistently throughout your game content, regardless of the dialect used. This ensures translation quality while making the game relevant and accessible to players in Java, Sumatra, and beyond.

3. Use a Style Guide

Using a style guide is a step that should not be ignored. Because style guides help ensure that every aspect of writing, from language style to tone and format, remains consistent and appropriate to target audiences in different regions. In the context of Indonesian game localization, style guides are very important because the diversity of languages ​​and dialects in this country is very large. With a style guide, you can determine which one is more suitable for use in your game according to your target players. Additionally, a style guide helps your team maintain its brand voice and image across different markets and cultures.

This is important so that your game is not only accepted but also feels authentic and connects well to players in various regions. With clear guidelines, the translation and marketing teams will have the same reference, so there is no confusion in the Indonesian game localization process.

Wrapping Up

Indonesian is a pluricentric language, with different dialect variations in each region. This thus means that if you want your game to be successful and well-received by its players in various regions, you should pay attention to details. No matter the dialect variation, the most effective solution for game translation or localization is clear. You should look for a game translation and localization agency that is professional and not only fluent in Indonesian but also able to advise you on localization for the main dialect of your specific market.