Software localisation is reviewed within its economic context, where making computers work in many languages is not economically worth while. This is challenged by looking for different approaches to current practice, seeking to exploit recent developments in both software technology and language engineering. Localisation is seen as just another form of customisation within a software product line, and the translation of the text and help messages is seen as an application of natural language generation where abstract knowledge models are built into the software and switching languages means switching generators. To serve the needs of illiterate peoples the use of speech is considered, not as a front end to writing, but as a medium that replaces writing and avoids many of the problems of localisation.