eight Suggestions On eLearning Content material Localization
Helpful tips for localizing e-learning content
The localization of eLearning content is the process of improving a training program to meet the local needs and cultural sensitivities of a particular region. Indeed, eLearning localization is the next step on the regular training program as it not only translates the training content from one language to another, but also adapts the factors of cultural references to the content. The basic idea of eLearning localization is to convey the training content in the right context and with the right emotions.
Why is e-learning content localization necessary?
Today’s companies operate globally, which means that their workforce is multicultural and multilingual. Business owners know that while English is an international language, people in many regions of the world do not speak English and still prefer their mother tongue as a medium of learning and communication.
Business operations must train employees accordingly, and employees must regularly update their knowledge in response. In this context, there are eLearning courses for employees in various forms. These training courses are used to learn or brush up on your understanding of how different departments operate in an organization. These training courses, designed for both beginners and advanced learners, can take the form of academic lessons or refresher courses or lessons on how to use new equipment.
So when employees are offered such significant training in their preferred language to suit their preferences and cultural nuances, the purpose of the training is fulfilled. Since linguistic and cultural factors have a significant impact on a person’s ability to learn new things, content should be localized according to their culture. As a result, many organizations prefer to localize training content.
What exactly happens when you localize e-learning content?
Localizing a training program involves translating and adapting its content to the target culture. The following changes are made:
- text
- pictures
- Colours
- Symbols
- Fonts
- Idioms and idioms
- Units of measurement
- Narrative tone
- Abbreviations
Localizing content means adapting the information to reflect local ideas, concepts, knowledge and preferences.
Localization also refers to the adaptation of content to the linguistic, cultural, technical, and legal standards of a particular country or region. This goes for the content of your website, branding, and anything that you offer in terms of products and services.
Thus, the localization of eLearning courses is the adaptation of training resources for professionals or users to different regions of the world. The location of these materials is very important as the study materials must meet high standards in that they are engaging, very practical, and of interest to the learners. In many countries, eLearning platform tools, company practices and policies are applied to their regional subsidiaries. The localization of eLearning courses makes them fully effective.
Now let’s look at 8 tips for localizing e-learning content for an online training program:
1. Make sure that there are no language errors
Language plays a key role in conveying meaning, and for effective training it is important to eliminate linguistic errors. It can make sense to have your own bilingual online translation teams to reduce costs. However, you should master the subtle nuances of the language into which the content is being translated. Because sometimes the same message is understood differently in different languages and learners can become confused or distracted due to linguistic errors.
2. Content of various forms
We have seen that tailoring material to the target audience is called content localization. It is also the process of modifying and designing your material to suit the specific needs of your target audience. The resulting material must appear as if it was written specifically for the target audience. The localized content should not lose its originality after translation. When localizing your content for training programs, make sure the messages reach the target audience in the right form.
3. Accurate visualization
Make sure you use high quality images and graphics that really appeal to the target audience. It is also important to translate and localize any text contained in an image. Graphic representations should be carefully checked before they are sent to a customer for presentation as signs and symbols are taboo in some countries.
4. Develop a language-specific environment
As a designer, it is sometimes difficult to create a language-specific environment. It is important to choose themes, fonts, and text sizes appropriate for the purpose. When presenting material on slides, the text area must be adjusted with the images so that the slide balance is intact. For example, Japanese characters take up less space than other languages.
5. Cross-lingual cultural awareness
When it comes to localization, there is always the risk of offending the translation of information from one culture to another. Therefore, it is crucial to hire a translation agency or localization company that is proven to have a social and cultural awareness so as not to offend your target audience. Because large translation companies have an extensive network of translators, your eLearning training programs will not be affected by your employees or customers.
6. Keep it simple and relevant
Make sure your audience can relate to the narratives you are presenting by incorporating real-world events and examples into your training. eLearning courses need to be easy to understand using simple sentences that are easy to translate and adapt to a local language.
7. Use a single language before localization
adjustment The technique of localizing a single language is one of the best practices for a flawless course (prototype). It saves designers time and effort, prevents them from revising courses in other languages, and increases productivity.
8. GUI change
In order to meet the needs of your multilingual users, the graphical user interface must be adapted. Note that languages like Hebrew and Arabic are read right to left (RTL) while English is read left to right. The GUI should be designed and planned accordingly to get better performance from learners during training sessions.
summary
That brings us to the final part of the article. These eight key points for localizing eLearning content are:
- Help your training program reach a wider audience, regardless of culture or background
- Achieve and maintain beneficial results for your business
- Maintain the status of your organization
Swift eLearning Services Pvt. GmbH.
Swift Elearning Services is a leading e-learning provider in India providing bespoke e-learning and software solutions around the world.
