摘要：The global nature of the Web and the differences among cultures across the globe dictate
the way content should be presented and adapted. Therefore, there is no way to have a perfect
single design for all possible users. Some user interface elements such as certain graphics and
images may offend one group of users on cultural or religious groups. Naturally, it is important
not to offend users but rather to use culturally neutral graphics representations or metaphors.
Moreover the business websites need to consider the specific linguistic preferences acceptable to
target customers.
Hence, it is not enough to be multilingual; international websites have to be multicultural.
While websites localization might add additional cost/burden on the maintenance budget of a
commercial company, it will ensure websites usability, flow and acceptability for the intended
users, which may attract these websites surfers to loyal customers.
This paper presents a conceptual framework and a set of recommendations for those user
interface designers designing for international customers to help them create appropriate
localized websites incorporating the local cultural norms.
关键词：Websites, Local culture, Localized business websites, Globalization,
Internationalization, web users and customers
