This slideshare shares some strategies to be followed while designing global courses and the steps for an effective translation process.

1. Translation & Localization of
E-learning Courses
How to Get Started

2. 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 such
as a state or country, not just on linguistic
lines but also on business, cultural, and
other technical parameters.
Focuses primarily on textual content.
(Hello = Bonjour)
Is broad and takes into account non-textual
aspects (adapting visuals and graphics to
suit a culture; format of date, time, currencies, etc.).
At least two languages are involved when
communicating textual content from the source
language to an equivalent target
language.
May be needed even when a single language
is involved (Chinese for Hong Kong, Taiwan,
and Beijing).
Both localization and translation are essential for designing global e-learning courses.

3. 5 Strategies to
Design Effective Global Courses

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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 symbols
that can lead to problems.
• Ensure you select a professional narrator with a
neutral accent.
Plan for Translation-friendly Courses3

8. 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

9. 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

10. The 5-Step E-learning Course
Translation Process

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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

18. A Checklist to Ensure Quick, Efficient
Translations

19. • 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

20. 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.