What are right-to-left (RTL) languages?
Right-to-left (RTL) languages are languages that are written and read from right to left, as opposed to the left-to-right (LTR) direction used by English and most European languages. Examples include Arabic, Hebrew and Farsi, which need specific layout and design considerations in translation and localisation.
Detailed description
Right-to-left (RTL) languages are languages that are written and read from right to left, as opposed to the left-to-right (LTR) direction used by English and most European languages. Major RTL languages include Arabic, Hebrew, Farsi (Persian), Urdu, and Pashto. These languages present specific technical and design challenges in translation and localisation that must be addressed to ensure content displays correctly and functions properly.
RTL localisation involves more than simply translating text. The entire visual layout must be mirrored to reflect the natural reading direction of the target audience. Navigation menus move from the right side to the left. Progress bars fill from right to left. Image placement and content flow reverse. And bidirectional (BiDi) text handling is required when RTL content includes numbers, brand names, or other elements that remain in LTR format.
Specific technical considerations for RTL localisation include CSS direction properties and mirrored stylesheets for web content, font selection that supports Arabic, Hebrew, or other RTL scripts with proper kerning and ligatures, text expansion (Arabic text is typically 20-25% longer than English), proper handling of mixed-direction content (such as English brand names within Arabic text), and testing across browsers, devices, and platforms to ensure consistent rendering.
LEXIGO has extensive experience localising content for RTL languages, managing both the linguistic translation and the technical implementation required to ensure content displays correctly in Arabic, Hebrew, Farsi, and other RTL scripts.
Why it matters
RTL localisation done poorly is immediately obvious to the target audience and signals a lack of care or expertise. Misaligned text, incorrectly ordered layouts, and mixed-direction errors undermine credibility and usability. For Australia's significant Arabic, Farsi, and Hebrew-speaking communities, professional RTL localisation is essential for any digital content intended to reach these audiences.
Organisations that invest in proper RTL localisation demonstrate respect for their audience and deliver a user experience that feels native rather than cobbled together.
Related questions about right-to-left languages
Which languages are written right to left?
Major right-to-left languages include Arabic, Hebrew, Persian (Farsi), Dari, Urdu, Pashto, Yiddish and Sindhi. Several of these are widely spoken in Australian communities.
Is Arabic RTL or LTR?
Arabic is written right to left (RTL). Numbers within Arabic text are generally read left to right, so translated layouts need bidirectional text handling.
Is Urdu LTR or RTL?
Urdu is written right to left, in a Perso-Arabic script usually set in the Nastaliq style, which needs fonts and line spacing that support it.
Is Chinese LTR or RTL?
Modern Chinese is usually written left to right in horizontal lines. Traditionally it was written in vertical columns read from right to left, which is still seen in some publications.
What changes when a document is translated into a right-to-left language?
The layout is mirrored: text alignment, reading order, tables, icons and navigation flip, while numbers and embedded English words stay left to right. The file needs desktop publishing and a final check by a native speaker.