Localization in E-Learning

 Localization is the adaptation of a product or service to meet
the needs of a particular language, culture or desired
population ‘s “look-and-feel”.
Source: Essential Guide: Build a WCM architecture that supports business
needs
 Other popular terms associated with Localization are
Glocalization, Internationalization etc.
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 E-Learning Localization is the process of adapting the
learning content (which has been originally designed for a
particular set of learners) to a particular language, culture and
the desired visual and sensual look and feel, which will appeal
the target learners.
For example: An e-learning course on “Workplace Safety” which is originally in
English language for English speaking learners may have to be adapted to Chinese
audience. Apart from the language and text translation, elements of local culture
and symbolism have to be accounted for. Like in Chinese customs putting a black
border around photo or images means the person pictured is dead. Similarly use of
yellow color refers to pornographic element in the image or screen. So use of such
symbols and colors should be avoided while localizing for the Chinese audience as
it might hurt their sentiments.

 Localization is often considered as akin with translation, but is
definitely much more than the translation as it does not address only
the language but also looks into the local culture and local habits.
 In E-Learning, Translation primarily pertains to the language and
on-screen text.
 However localization is more than just the textual elements. It
includes non-verbal elements such as the UI, colors, graphics,
symbols, audio etc.

 With the distributed workforce and the learning audience across the
globe, localized content makes it easy to disseminate the mandatory
information as well as leads to considerable cost and time savings.
 For certain learning content involving cognitive skills, localization
becomes all the more necessary as the learners cannot pick up on
those skills if they are unable to connect with the learning content.
 Localized E-learning can boost the knowledge acquisition and
retention rates.

Step-1 Ensure at the design stage itself if the course needs
localization.
 Have a dialogue with the client /SME to understand if the course involves
localization.
 Certain content topics like compliance regulations, process regulations
which may differ across geographies may have to be accounted for in the
content localization.
 Localization for other elements which are non content related like
localization friendly UI with provision for expanded text boxes (to
accommodate text of varying lengths when translated), colours, symbol
and images with embedded text in them.

Step-2 Finalize in one language before localizing
 Have one version of the eLearning course completely nailed down, edited,
tested and completed before moving on to localization.
 There is nothing more time consuming than having a SME tell that there
needs to be a change to two paragraphs, and then having to go into 3
different courses and change it for 7 different languages.
 To save time and money, it’s best to have a final, approved version which
doesn’t require any further text edits before sending it off for translation.

Step-3 Prepare a checklist of various course elements which require
localization like.
 Text content
 Fonts
 Table of contents
 Dates, times, measurements
 Browser window titles
 Menu bars and sliders
 Terminology, acronyms and abbreviations
 Software application screenshots
 Colour schemes
 Icons, symbols
 Photos, graphics
 Audio

Step-4 Localize each of the elements listed in Step 3, keeping the
local culture and the look and feel into consideration.
 Certain symbols like “?” for Help button may not have a corresponding
symbol in the localised language so it is better to use the text instead of
symbol.
Step-5 Use professional translators and native voice over artists for
the translation and audio recording respectively in local
languages.
 Use the services of professional translators to get the translation done
instead of using some software applications. Human touch in translation
can give an extra edge to the e-learning content,
 The accent, pitch and the local feel to the audio is very important and
hence it is best to use native voice over artists.
 However it is best to get the samples done in different accents so that the
best one can be adapted to the e-learning course.

Step-6 Integrate all the localised elements as well as the generic
elements to create the localised version of the e-learning course and
test it.
 Use the services of a linguistic reviewer to validate the translation as well
as for testing the localised e-learning course
 Test it amongst the target learners group to understand if the experience
and local look and feel has been achieved.
 Keep a scope for incorporating the changes after the target learners group
reviews it and gives a feedback.

 Plan for localization at the content design stage itself. Plan for an
accurate estimation for each language to be localized.
 Research the cultural background and the learners local habits while
localizing the content.
 Plan for a neutralized content mainly use of certain phrases or terms
and terminologies which cannot be easily translated or might loose
the meaning while translation.
 Pay attention to cultural relevancy of images, graphics and colors.
Do not use colors or graphics which can hurt the sentiments of the
target audience.

 Make sure that scenarios and real world examples are still relatable
and relevant to the local audience.
 Use services of professional translators, voice-over artists and
linguistic reviewers rather than relying on software or trying to cut
cost at this stage.
 If the localized course is intended to be delivered through a third
party LMS, it needs to be ensured than the LMS navigation and the
tool bars are also localized. This of course can be done in
consultation with the organization and the LMS service provider.
 Do extensive testing to simulate how different users will be taking
the courses.

 Localization of E-Learning course is a step by step task which
requires good planning as well as executions skills.
 Any localization project should be approached keeping the time
lines under consideration as even a small mistake or gap can lead to
a cascading effect due to the sheer size and number of languages
involved.
 An effective e-learning localization can lead to the e-learning course
being retained and applied by a broader learning audience.

Feels like it is easier said than done?
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Localization in E-Learning

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