Translation & Localization ofE-learning Courses

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Understanding Translation & Localization

Translation Localization

A process where letters, words, and sentences are changed from one language (say English) to another (say French), without changing the meaning, purpose, or intention laid out in the original content.

Adapts given content to a specific locale suchas a state or country, not just on linguisticlines but also on business, cultural, andother technical parameters.

Focuses primarily on textual content. (Hello = Bonjour)

Is broad and takes into account non-textualaspects (adapting visuals and graphics tosuit a culture; format of date, time, currencies, etc.).

At least two languages are involved whencommunicating textual content from the sourcelanguage to an equivalent targetlanguage.

May be needed even when a single languageis involved (Chinese for Hong Kong, Taiwan,and Beijing).

Both localization and translation are essential for designing global e-learning courses.

5 Strategies to Design Effective Global Courses

Use an universally accepted version of the language1

Start with a culture-neutral course2

Plan for translation-friendly courses3

Use rapid authoring tools for quick translations4

Assign e-learning specialists to do translation and localization5

Strategies to Design Effective Global Courses

Strategies to Design Effective Global Courses

• When the source language is English, courses should use International English so that there is no problem in comprehending terms unique to a particular region.

Example: The term Fire Brigade is used in British English, but it is referred to as Fire Department in US English. It is safe to use the term fire station, that is universally understood.

• The same is true for languages such as French, Chinese, or Spanish, that are used in many regions and have regional variations.

Use an Universally Accepted Version of the Language1

Strategies to Design Effective Global Courses

• Course content should NOT have any idiomatic expressions, colloquialisms, or sports references that may not be universally understood.

• Humor should be used sparingly as there is a risk of content being misunderstood by or being offensive to some.

Start with a Culture-neutral Course2

Strategies to Design Effective Global Courses

• Avoid text on images as it makes the translation process long and expensive; images will have to be re-created.

• Limit the use of audio and video as it increases translation costs. Instead, supplement them with visuals, graphics, and textual content.

• Ensure enough white space onscreen to accommodate variations in text length in different languages.

• Avoid using culture-specific and religious symbolsthat can lead to problems.

• Ensure you select a professional narrator with a neutral accent.

Plan for Translation-friendly Courses3

Strategies to Design Effective Global Courses

• Rapid authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Lectora Inspire, or Adobe Captivate allow exporting content to be translated to a single file.

• This can be sent to the translator and then imported into the tool with ease.

Use Rapid Authoring Tools for Quick Translations4

Strategies to Design Effective Global Courses

• Learning and training specialists will be best suitable to take up e-learning course translations as they understand learning design nuances and can ensure effective knowledge transfer.

• Specialists will have a pre-defined process and system to ensure your work is done quickly and efficiently; you can ensure your resources are allocated to handle your core business needs.

Assign E-learning Specialists to do Translation and Localization5

The 5-Step E-learning CourseTranslation Process

The 6-Step E-learning Course Translation Process

1 Analyze source content and prepare it for translation

2 Have a streamlined translation process

3 Proofread the translated content

4 Schedule professional voice talent for audio narration

5 Integrate translated elements in the course

6 Load the Course onto the LMS

The 6-Step E-learning Course Translation Process

1 Analyze Source Content and Prepare it for Translation

• Analyze source content and segregate it based on textual content, visuals, and audio narration.

• Take inputs from stakeholders about terminology and specific requirements of the target language, if any.

The 6-Step E-learning Course Translation Process

2 Have a Streamlined Translation Process

• Prepare translation templates with the content to be translated.

• Choose native professionals for translation.

• Get a sample translation done before choosing a translator.

The 6-Step E-learning Course Translation Process

3 Proofread the Translated Content

• Have an in-country reviewer validate the translated content.

• Get SMEs to review the technical accuracy of the course content.

The 6-Step E-learning Course Translation Process

4 Schedule Professional Voice Talent for Audio Narration

• Provide voice samples of professional narrators to stakeholders and allow them to choose the one most suitable.

• Ensure a pronunciation guide accompanies the validated audio script when sent to the narrator.

The 6-Step E-learning Course Translation Process

• E-learning developers will integrate the translated text, visual elements, and sync audio with onscreen elements.

• Quality experts need to review the course for proper synching of audio, visual, and textual elements.

5 Integrate Translated Elements in the Course

The 6-Step E-learning Course Translation Process

• Adopt a multiple GUI wrapper that allows learners to switch between languages easily.

• Avoid the need to host each language separately on the LMS.

6 Load the Course onto the LMS

A Checklist to Ensure Quick, Efficient Translations

• International English/universally accepted version of the source language

• Enough white space onscreen

• Rapid authoring tools

• Professional narrators with neutral accent

• Learning design specialists with well-defined processes in place

A Checklist to Ensure Quick, Efficient Translations

• Region-specific idiomatic expressions, colloquialisms

• Sports references

• Humor

• Religious symbols

• Text on images

• Too many videos

Hope this helps you get an overview of what it takes to get e-learning courses translated and localized.

For complete information on delivering localized training to your global workforce, download our handy guide.