E-learning is fast becoming the mainstay of corporate training and development in today's increasingly globalized society. In addition to enabling organizations to interact easily and effectively with staff, it also assures continuity of training when onsite access isn’t feasible.
For global organizations with employees who speak other languages, professional localization is the key to a truly effective e-learning experience. Powerling specializes in translating and localizing online learning materials so that your information is understood by staff everywhere. Here are some crucial suggestions to bear in mind before setting off on your e-learning translation journey.
1. Identify training materials that require localization
Text and multimedia are both common formats for e-learning resources. All written material, visuals, navigational features, audio, video, and formatting should be localized. You can rest assured that Powerling will take great care with every detail.
2. Create a localization strategy without delay
Planning is important. When creating content, take localization into consideration if you intend to expand into international markets. This foreknowledge enables you to create material that is user-friendly to navigate, has greater text space, and is adaptable to many languages.
3. Take text expansion into account
Depending on the language, the amount of space needed varies. Be prepared for text enlargement, which depending on the target language can run from 10% to 50%. Make sure the voiceovers in your video have the proper duration and add more slides if necessary.
4. Maintain a neutral tone
In order to guarantee that your message is understood by everyone, avoid using local words, pop culture allusions, or religious examples. Even expressions that seem simple might be confusing when translated. Maintain cultural neutrality in your content.
5. Finish preparing the source material first
If the localization process is initiated before the review of the source material has been completed, it may be necessary to retranslate some sections. This could cause considerable delay and result in additional costs. To avoid these issues, you should first verify that the source material is in its final form before beginning localization with your chosen translation partner.
6. Use translation-memory resources
You might come across a lot of recurring words in a training or professional-development session, especially when discussing the software that participants will use or the procedures they will follow. By storing and automatically translating previously encountered terms, a translation memory tool helps shorten translation times and reduce translation costs. Also, translation-memory technology enables translators to concentrate entirely on making sure that repeatedly used translated terms are appropriate for each particular context in which they are found.
7. Pick authoring tools that are translation-friendly
The software you use to build your course is crucial, since certain platforms facilitate the localization and translation process more than others. Notably, software programs like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and Lectora Inspire lend themselves well to localization and translation. Lectora, for example, permits the publication of a single course in a variety of languages, allowing consumers to choose their preferred language. Captivate, likewise, based on the user's location, adjusts language and settings on the fly. Articulate Storyline, on the other hand, streamlines the process by making it easy to export text files for translation and seamlessly incorporate translated content into the course.
8. Make graphics and navigation localized
In addition to involving text, localization also frequently applies to graphics. Despite the fact that many symbols and images are instantly recognizable by all people worldwide, cultural interpretations of colors and images can nonetheless vary greatly. Consider the color white, which in the United States and the United Kingdom conjures up images of cleanliness or elegance. In many Asian nations, however, the color white invokes associations with death or bad karma.
It's crucial to carefully list every visual component that should be reviewed by your localization partner. This includes, but is not limited to, speech bubbles, navigation buttons, and progress bars. To avoid cultural insensitivity or unintentionally offending staff, it’s also necessary for your localization partner to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of animations, video clips, and symbols.
9. Choose an effective localization partner
Look for a localization partner who can handle all aspects of your entire project smoothly, from conception to completion. Your timeframe may be impacted unnecessarily if you unexpectedly have to engage a second localization partner for one or more project components. Also, give preference to a partner who uses cutting-edge translation solutions like translation memory software to increase productivity.
During the screening process, take care to find out if your potential localization provider has experience translating e-learning courses. To learn more about the provider’s qualifications, examine customer feedback and testimonials closely as well. Because of Powerling’s proven track record at successfully localizing e-learning courses, our satisfied business partners are more than happy to share about their experiences working with us.
10. Run tests with native speakers
Having native speakers evaluate your course will serve as the ultimate litmus test for successful localization. This stage ensures a seamless learning experience for your international audience and helps identify any concerns that may have been overlooked.
A crucial quality control measure in the review process is to include the viewpoint of a native speaker. This indispensable step aids in locating any overlooked components and improves the localization of the course, guaranteeing a flawless educational experience.
Conclusion
With these ten vital tips in hand, you are now prepared to set off on your journey toward effective e-learning localization. Powerling’s specialized translation and localization services for e-learning guarantee that your content is not only translated but also appropriately adjusted to appeal to audiences throughout the world. Get a project quote from Powerling today and let us help you meet your global learning objectives. Find out firsthand about the decisive impact that expert localization can have on your e-learning initiatives.