Language Localization Spike Epic Creation

[LuisRoyZulu06]

Goals:

1. Identify Existing Libraries: Research and evaluate available libraries that support language localization.
2. Understand UI/UX Best Practices: Learn and document best practices for creating a localized user interface and experience.
3. Provide Recommendations: Offer guidance on which libraries and practices to adopt for our localization efforts.

Reason: The need for this spike arises from the following considerations:

1. Market Expansion: Enter new markets by offering our software (Mojaloop) in multiple languages.
2. Improved User Experience: Enhance user engagement and satisfaction by providing a native language experience.
3. Competitive Advantage: Stand out in the market by supporting diverse linguistic and cultural needs.
4. Cultural Sensitivity: Ensure our software respects and aligns with cultural norms and preferences, avoiding any potential cultural insensitivity.

Libraries Evaluated:

1. i18next: Versatile and framework-agnostic. (https://www.i18next.com/)
2. gettext: Proven track record and widely supported. (https://www.gnu.org/software/gettext/)
3. Globalize: Excellent for number and date localization. (https://github.com/globalizejs/globalize)
4. react-intl: Best for React-based projects. (https://formatjs.io/docs/react-intl)
5. Polyglot.js: Lightweight and straightforward. (http://airbnb.io/polyglot.js/)

Recommended Libraries: i18next and react-intl for their comprehensive features and ease of integration with our tech stack.

UI/UX Best Practices

1. Text Expansion: Design flexible UI layouts.
2. RTL Support: Ensure proper layout mirroring for RTL languages.
3. Cultural Sensitivity: Use culturally appropriate visuals.
4. Consistency: Maintain uniform terminology.
5. Native Testing: Validate with native speakers.
6. Scalability: Ensure code is maintainable and scalable.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Library Selection:

• [ ] The localization library is selected based on a comprehensive evaluation considering features, compatibility, documentation, and community support.
• [ ] The chosen localization library is integrated into the existing codebase without introducing any critical issues or bugs.

2. Language Support:

• [ ] The application supports at least two additional languages apart from English (e.g., Spanish and French).
• [ ] All static text in the application is translated into the supported languages.
• [ ] Dynamic content (e.g., user-generated content) is correctly handled and displayed in the appropriate language.

3. UI Adjustments:

• [ ] UI components adjust correctly to accommodate text expansion and contraction for different languages.
• [ ] The application correctly handles RTL (right-to-left) languages, with appropriate mirroring of UI elements.
• [ ] Date, time, number, and currency formats are localized according to the user's language settings.

4. Testing and Validation:

• [ ] All translated text is reviewed and validated by native speakers for accuracy and context.
• [ ] The application passes usability testing with native speakers of the supported languages.
• [ ] Comprehensive unit and integration tests are created to verify the functionality of language localization, including edge cases.

5. User Experience:

• [ ] Users can switch languages seamlessly from a settings menu.
• [ ] The application remembers the user's language preference and defaults to it on subsequent visits.

6. Documentation and Maintenance:

• [ ] Documentation is updated to include instructions for adding new languages and managing translations.
• [ ] Guidelines for translators are provided to ensure consistency and accuracy in translations.