Workers – who make up most modern learners – can enhance their skills and increase their knowledge without ever seeing the four walls of a classroom.

Besides training staffers, creative organizations have found ways to use eLearning as a medium to achieve awareness, retention, loyalty, and of course, revenue from customers and affiliates.

As demand for eLearning solutions soars, the global economy is making eLearning translation more relevant than ever.

What is eLearning?

eLearning is derived from “electronic learning” and refers to delivering education via the Internet. While millions of Internet users turn informally to the web to learn new information, eLearning is a method of delivering formalized education online.

eLearning is as old as the Internet, dating back to the 1980s, and even earlier. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that people began to realize eLearning’s true potential. Elliott Maisie, a provocative, engaging, and entertaining researcher, educator, analyst, and speaker, coined the term “eLearning” in 1999, validating the concept with an official name.

The flexibility of online learning means students can learn from anywhere in the world, as long as they have a reliable Internet connection. Some eLearning resources can be delivered asynchronously, allowing users to access the lessons at a time most convenient to them. Digital resources can be revisited again and again, allowing users to learn at their own pace.

Delivering eLearning in the Student’s Native Language

In the Information Age, a company’s chances of success skyrockets when it has a well-trained workforce. eLearning provides a path to keep employee training up to date without the expense of running in-person seminars. Employers can also offer access to eLearning platforms as an employee benefit, giving workers a way to expand their skills and climb the corporate ladder.

When your workforce is spread across the globe, eLearning becomes more challenging. By offering training in a single language, you limit the ability of non-native speakers of that language to take advantage of the educational opportunity. Translating eLearning materials into multiple languages levels the playing field for monolingual employees.

Even employees who speak English in addition to their native tongue benefit from eLearning translation. Bilingual people grasp information presented in their mother tongue more quickly, and are more likely to retain it. The cost savings your company realizes by implementing eLearning evaporates if your workforce struggles to understand and apply what you’re trying to teach them.

That said, when it comes to education, a poor translation can be worse than having no translation at all. Free AI-based translation solutions have little or no understanding of cultural nuance, and comedians like Jimmy Fallon have made a game from making fun of the most outrageous translation bloopers. But what’s funny on “The Tonight Show” is frustrating in an online class.

Quality eLearning translation delivers lessons in a way that helps the audience learn the material. It takes into account cultural references, idiomatic expressions, and metaphors, and translates them so they make sense to the learner. Video and audio translations include high-quality voiceover recording as well as text, making the lesson accessible to more people.

eLearning Translation Makes Education Accessible

The COVID-19 pandemic forced all levels of learners, from kindergarteners through Ph.D. candidates, to embrace online education. If anyone still doubted that learning could be delivered 100 percent online, 2020 put those doubts to rest.

Fears that a quality education cannot be delivered online proved groundless. In fact, 2020’s global experiment in eLearning demonstrated that the medium has a variety of benefits. Students can learn at an office during standard working hours or at home in their pyjamas after the kids have gone to bed. Recorded lessons can be viewed as many times as needed to make the lessons stick.

Accessibility features like captioning and alt-text make lessons accessible to learners with disabilities. Translating eLearning materials into multiple languages is another accessibility measure, opening the learning experience up to non-native English speakers.

Our world is now a global village. eLearning translation helps international team members, clients, and students absorb your content without relying on a translator. It bolsters corporate branding by demonstrating your company’s commitment to inclusivity.

Choosing an eLearning Translation Provider

Choosing the right partner to assist your company with eLearning translation can make the entire process of translating training materials smooth and headache free. Here are some of the qualities you should look for in an eLearning translator:

1. Localization ability. How can you make sure your eLearning content delivers value and not jokes? When you partner with a high-caliber translation provider, the quality of your materials is assured. Professional translators localize cultural references so that the finished product delivers the educational results you intended.
2. Format flexibility. You shouldn’t have to waste time reformatting your source files in order for your translator to be able to work with them. A serious, professional translation company will work with all types of source files, and will make sure the translated material works across all eLearning software platforms.
3. Publishing expertise. Your translated materials should be delivered to you ready to go. Choose a translation provider who handles the finer details such as engineering, publishing, voiceovers, and complete course validation. Localized courses should be published to match the settings of the original English course, including SCORM-compliant publishing versions.
4. Scalability. Globalization of the business community shows no signs of slowing down. Currently, you may only need your material translated into one language. Down the road, you may need to add another, and then another. Choosing a translation provider who offers services in several languages from the start will keep you from having to start over every time.

eLearning has been quietly revolutionizing education for decades. The global pandemic punched the accelerator on its growth, and there’s no indication that it will let up any time soon. Remaining competitive in the global marketplace means training a global workforce, and eLearning translation is the fastest and most effective way to meet those learners where they are.

The post eLearning Translation: Effectively Train Your Global Workforce appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

With the globalization of companies, the way training is delivered has changed. What used to take place in-person now takes place online using computers and mobile devices. Self-paced eLearning has become a method of choice to train employees and build important skills within a global workforce. It is affordable and easily shareable, making it one of the most popular ways to teach critical knowledge and skills to employees.

What is Storyline and what does it do?

Articulate Storyline is one of the leading eLearning authoring applications. Storyline allows companies and leadership teams to create their own cutting-edge interactive courses without needing extensive computer, coding, or graphic design knowledge.

How can your organization benefit from Storyline translation?

In most cases, English is the primary language of Storyline course development. However, English may not be the first language of everyone within your organization. When a course is only offered in one language, it excludes a number of employees or customers that could benefit from the curriculum.

Storyline translation and localization allows your eLearning courses to reach a larger audience. Everyone, no matter the language spoken, will be able to accurately synthesize the material being presented. This allows everyone across your organization to receive the same level of education and exposure to tools. When all of your employees are on the same page, you set your company up for success in a global market.

Translating into a person’s mother tongue ensures that those taking the course understand the material as it was intended. Even if individuals are proficient in the original course language, comprehension and information retention rates improve when someone receives information in the language they are most comfortable with. Localization makes the final product feel as if it were created for that specific target market rather than just being translated as an afterthought.

How is a Storyline course translated?

Translating a course created with Storyline is more involved and complex than simply rewriting the text in the target language or adding captions. There are more moving parts involved. A proper translation will also include localization. With localization, all of the course’s multimedia and interactive properties are taken into consideration and will be translated, correctly formatted, and integrated into the course.

This includes:

• On-screen content and subtitles: All on-screen text will be translated. One issue that commonly occurs is the expansion of text with a translated language. To combat this, an eLearning engineering specialist will reformat the screen so that it appears as originally intended.
• Audio overlays: If audio narration is present in the course, it can be translated and re-recorded in the target language. Translated subtitles and audio will need to be correctly synced with the audio and graphics in a way that makes sense to the user.
• Videos: Similar to audio overlays, voice-over recording can be performed on video content, as well as changes to any visual language presented. Videos can be embedded within the course to aid the learner.
• Graphics: images and graphics within your course may contain text or symbols that need to be translated. The localization of graphics is commonly performed by a multilingual desktop publishing specialist with visual editing experience. Even factors such as colors should be carefully considered, as meaning can vary from culture to culture.
• Navigation controls: Aside from the actual content within the course, navigational controls and action buttons should be translated for ease of use. This includes operations like PREVIOUS, NEXT, CONTINUE, etc.
• Interactive quizzes or games: Quiz, assessment, and game content should be translated into the target language, as well as any instructions or controls.
• Mouse cursor movement captures: Within a course, users may be able to move the cursor to reveal items or actions that the narrator is explaining. These descriptions should be localized in the program.
• Additional documents and resources: Oftentimes, additional documentation and resources are linked to the courses. This may come in the form of tip sheets, checklists, job aids, and more. It is important that translations are consistent across these documents so that all learners can be equipped with the appropriate tools.

SCORM Online Learning Translations

eLearning courses are often published as Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) content. More than just a funny word, SCORM is the set of technical standards that allow eLearning courses to be played across different Learning Management Systems (LMS’). It gives companies the ability to share their content on different systems without headaches that come from coding that isn’t compatible.

Think of it this way: if you own a DVD, you don’t have to worry about the brand of DVD player that you’re using. Any brand DVD player will play any film since DVDs are made using industry-wide standards. Similarly, a course written with the SCORM standard can be used in any SCORM-conformant LMS.

A company with eLearning localization experience will know how to match the publishing of the English SCORM package with the target language. SCORM-compatible translation solutions ensure that everyone can utilize your web course seamlessly and easily, regardless of language or the Learning Management System used.

How can a translation company help?

Translation companies can help in several ways. To start, professional translation companies provide the best multilingual talent to ensure both the technical accuracy and linguistic quality of the translated material. Additionally, translation companies can also convey the cultural nuances needed to ensure that your content effectively resonates with the intended audience. In addition to the actual language component, experts can determine whether or not visuals, symbols, and gestures are culturally appropriate.

The key, however, is finding a translation company that does more than just produce accurate translations. The company should be able to edit, proofread, format, and integrate the translated content back into the Storyline source file, as well as execute final course publishing and Quality Assurance. If a voiceover is needed, the company should be capable of producing professional-grade studio recordings and know how to insert and sync the audio within the courses.

A turnkey process will leave your team with no additional work. There will be no need to upload files or work to perfectly match the source language course— everything will be ready to go and use upon delivery. Quality Assurance practices will ensure that your product is reviewed by a native speaker who will engage with the content just as your employees would. An experienced translation company will also work with you to develop customized solutions that match your specific needs and requests.

Adapting to Changing Software and Trends

As with most software applications, Storyline is ever-changing with periodic version releases. Because of this, it’s imperative that your translation partner has the ability to adapt quickly. Storyline currently has five versions: the original Storyline 1, Storyline 2, Storyline 3, Storyline 360, and Articulate Rise. Each version gives authors more control and has more features than the previous versions. While more options are always good for those creating and taking the course, it can involve more complex work for those tasked with translating them.

These changes follow important trends in the eLearning industry. For example, due to the rising popularity of mobile learning, the newest versions of Storyline have a responsive design for smartphones and tablets. It’s important that translation companies be aware of changes like this to ensure that courses are correctly formatted across all languages, no matter what device is being used.

Experts are predicting growth in the use of video and experiential learning simulations. Translation of components like these are best done by the experts, as professional quality dubbing and localization are not as straightforward as you may think. Similarly, as the role of personalized learning experiences begins to grow, the importance of translation and localization expands. eLearning translation professionals can tailor fonts, sizes, and other on-screen elements to specific audiences.

Thanks to technology and the services of professional translation companies, your organization’s training programs aren’t limited geographically. Articulate Storyline courses can provide your employees with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed within your organization. By translating and localizing these courses into the languages of your target audience, you not only help those individuals grow professionally, you also help the entire organization achieve success on a global scale.

The post Storyline Translation: How it Can Benefit Your Organization appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Today’s digital age has done more than change the way we communicate, socialize, and conduct business. It has also significantly impacted the way we learn. Online learning, often called “eLearning,” is becoming a popular alternative to traditional in-class instruction due to its accessibility, effectiveness, and scalability.

As effective as eLearning is, presenting material in one language (like English) is a mistake. You may fail to reach a significant percentage of your audience. This is why eLearning translation is a vital component of a successful online course.

Topics covered in this article:

• What is eLearning translation?
• Why is eLearning translation important?
• Benefits of eLearning Translation
• eLearning is Popular Internationally
• How are translated eLearning courses developed?
• How does eLearning translation work?
• Continue Learning about eLearning Translation

What is eLearning Translation?

eLearning translation is the process of converting online educational content from one language to another. eLearning localization takes translation a step further by adapting the content to the target audience’s preferences.

Localization does more than simply translate words. It ensures that cultural nuances are taken into account, visuals are appropriate, and all content is understood in context by your target audience.

This involves translating text, audio, and multimedia elements to make the course accessible to speakers of the target language, while often incorporating cultural adaptations to ensure the material is relevant and engaging for the new audience.

Think of it as an online classroom for schools and places of higher education. However, eLearning actually is utilized across many industries: education, manufacturing, associations, nonprofit organizations, the medical field, and more. Online courses make it easy to educate others, train a global workforce, and provide resources to people around the world.

Why is eLearning translation important?

eLearning translation can increase your audience reach and help the learner retain more of the information from the course.

eLearning is only effective if the audience can understand what is being said. If you are a company or organization with a multilingual audience, eLearning translation is a must.  The course content needs to be delivered in the language that your audience best understands. An accurate and culturally appropriate translation is the key to facilitating understanding and retention of the material.

When people are presented with content in their native language, it creates an inclusive and welcoming environment. Statistics show that 90% of people prefer learning in their native language. By giving your learners a course that they can understand, you show that you care. When creating your course, it’s important to follow some best practices that make eLearning translation straightforward.

Benefits of eLearning Translation

There is a wealth of benefits associated with eLearning, both for students and for the organizations providing the courses. A few advantages include:

1. Accessibility & Wider Audience Reach

Coordinating in-class training times can be problematic for businesses. Accommodating everyone’s schedule is nearly impossible and cuts into valuable time for teams. The fix is eLearning courses that are available on-demand and can be taken at any time. People can conveniently learn at their own pace and in their own language when it best fits into their schedule.

Thanks to the services of professional translation companies, eLearning translation is easy. By working with a professional agency, you can translate your course into any language. This means that not only can these courses be accessed anywhere in the world, but they can also reach anyone, regardless of the language spoken.

2. Increased Learning Retention, Comprehension, and Engagement

According to the Research Institute of America, eLearning information retention rates range between 25% -60%. But that is when learning in your native langauge. eLearning translation allows the reader to learn in their native language at their own pace. Studies show that learning in their native language will retain more of the information.  This creates consistency in organizations and prevents variations that can occur between different instructors and in-person learning settings.

Plus, localized content is more relatable and engaging for learners, which can lead to better retention and completion rates.

3. Scalability & Cost Effectiveness

Localizing your eLearning courses is a smart financial decision for businesses to get a quick return on investment for their employees’ education. You don’t have to have an instructor in every language if you offer translated eLearning courses. Plus, digital-based learning courses typically require 40%-60% less employee time compared to traditional settings. eLearning is also scalable, meaning a company can easily provide a course to 10 people or 1,000 people.

Again, this increases consistency no matter the employee’s demographics or decent, bringing us back to accessibility and equality for all staff.

eLearning is Popular Internationally

eLearning use has been on the rise for years, and experts say it shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, studies predict that by 2025, the online international learning market will be worth $325 billion— a 300% increase from 2015 levels. In 2017, approximately 77% of corporations in the United States utilized some form of online learning, and 98% of those surveyed reported that they planned to deploy it by 2020.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, eLearning has become a necessity for many globally. The industry has been at the forefront as schools and companies come up with work-from-home solutions. Thanks to the quick ramping up and preparation of eLearning companies, so many have been able to take advantage of what online learning has to offer during this time of crisis.

How are translated eLearning courses developed?

If you’re choosing a good translation company, translated eLearning courses are developed in the exact same files and formats as your English courses: video, narrated slideshows, quizzes, surveys, and games, just to name a few. A good translation agency can work with any of the eLearning authoring tools available on the market that allow instructors to create their own courses, including:

• Storyline 360
• Storyline 3
• Articulate Rise
• Adobe Captivate
• Internally-developed web-based tools

Additionally, editing software such as Vyond and Adobe Premiere can also be used to create video content, which can be included as part of your training.

Have a custom built platform that hosts your eLearning materials? You can translate Learning Management Systems (LMS) too.

How does eLearning translation work?

The process for eLearning translation differs from course to course. For example, the workflow for a Storyline translation may differ from that of a course created with Adobe Premiere. But, generally speaking, your eLearning translation may involve a combination of the following:

1. eLearning Localization Project Preparation

After analyzing your files or cloud-based content, Interpro’s experts ensure that any issues are resolved prior to starting the translation and localization process. All translation projects begin with these steps:

• Project timeline is established with clear deliverables and delivery dates. Translation projects in multiple languages can be launched simultaneously.
• Source files are prepared for translation using Translation Memory tools; filters are employed to protect coding and tags surrounding source language content; formula functions are excluded and protected.

2. Text Translation and Localization

All eLearning translation begins with the course script being translated by our professional linguists

. However, this goes beyond what might appear in course videos. Graphics, buttons, interactive components like quizzes and games, and additional resources should also be translated, correctly formatted, and seamlessly integrated into the course. Even the website or landing page the course lives on and any linked documents will need to be translated as well – think about items study guides, reference materials, and instruction documents.

In general, an eLearning course will follow these steps:

• Course script is translated by our professional linguists
• Our professional linguistic teams execute the Translation, Revision and Proofreading (TRP) phases
• Script is then submitted for review and approval by the client before voiceover recording takes place

3. Audio Recording and Syncing

Most all eLearning translation processes include translating video, either through voice-over narration, or subtitles. To effectively translate these, audio must be transcribed, translated, re-recorded (or written in the case of subtitles) in the target language, and then synced into the course. In each of these steps, accuracy is crucial for a good eLearning translation. Recording should be done in a professional studio setting by a native-speaking talent in order to ensure quality. After recording, the audio needs to be synced into the course in a way that makes sense to the user.

• Pronunciation guidelines and any other instructions for recording are reviewed
• Script is professionally recorded and subtitled
• Text-to-speech and synthetic VOR solution options available
• Audio and text are synchronized with video
• Onscreen interactions are synchronized with target language voiceover

3. Final Delivery and Quality Assurance

After a course is translated, it should undergo comprehensive Quality Assurance by a native speaker of the target language in order to ensure the entire course and all of its components are fully and correctly translated.

• Localized course is validated, including knowledge checks, assessments, and quizzes
• Final course is published per specific publication settings
• The translated files are delivered ready for publication via the platform established at project launch

Look for a translation agency that can offer certified translations or holds ISO certifications for the best guaruntee of an accurately translated product and quality customer service.

Because of its adaptability, effectiveness, and scalability, eLearning has quickly become the most widespread way to educate and train your workforce, students, and organization members. If operating within a multilingual organization, eLearning translation is key to ensuring that all participants can effectively learn and understand the material. Teaming up with a professional translation company capable of handling all aspects of eLearning translation and localization will ensure success for your organization, no matter the course topic or language.

The post eLearning Translation: An Introduction to the Benefits and Best Practices appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Clear and accurate translations not only improve customer service and production quality, but effectively train a global workforce. Take it from us – training is not the area to skimp on by relying on your own employees to help translate training materials.

With a global workforce, training programs must be conducted in a multitude of languages and keep cultural nuances in mind. Furthermore, there are compliance laws, international laws, as well as regional laws to consider.¹ Put simply, training employees around the globe takes an enormous amount of time and money. It’s extremely complex. To save money, increase time, and streamline content and communication, manufacturers are turning to eLearning technology to help with training needs.

Interpro has experience working with manufacturers on eLearning translation projects, and along the way, we’ve identified three key reasons why eLearning translation is important:

1. Adapt and expand quickly
   

   

   The world of manufacturing is full of surprises. Opportunities may arise when you least expect them, and you must be ready to adjust and adapt quickly when there’s a new niche market or a sudden surge in demand. Plus, there will always be new hires, temps brought on to cover seasonal demand, or an unexpected big contract.

   When suddenly faced with the task of training more people on a quick timeline (and they’re spread out around the globe), eLearning makes it a straightforward task. All types of training can be managed and developed from a centralized source, so adjustments are made quickly and efficiently.

   Working with a professional translation company to manage your eLearning translation projects will ease the process of updating courses, re-using and expanding content, and sharing courses instantly between different departments, facilities, and plants across the world.²  Furthermore, it can take your training to the next level.

2. Save money
   

   Training in the manufacturing industry can be very expensive, especially with a global workforce. Utilizing eLearning technology is an incredible way to help keep training costs down. It reduces travel and trainer costs, is much more flexible, and makes regular updates to course content (based on new systems, industry guidelines, or legislation) more feasible.³

   Developing one high-quality training course and then localizing it in accordance with the cultural specifications of various target groups, is a better and more cost-efficient approach than developing multiple courses, training instructors, and then sending them around the globe.

3. Retain employees
   

   Different types of people learn in different ways, which is why eLearning translation can be incredibly effective. Using different types of multimedia and interactive components, employees learn better when the course is in their native language and presents concepts they understand. This boosts confidence and self-esteem and will eventually lead to better results at work.

   When your e-learning course is not just translated into a specific language, but properly optimized and localized, it shows a personalized approach and is a sign that you value your employees no matter where they are located. Naturally, this increases staff retention and satisfaction.

Closing Thoughts on eLearning Translation for Manufacturers

Training in the manufacturing industry is complex. It involves different types of training for different types of people of different countries, languages, rules, and regulations. Yet, it must all fall in place seamlessly to complete the whole picture: a flawless system working right from production, manufacturing, shipping, transportation to selling and customer satisfaction.⁴ eLearning translation may just the be answer to simplifying and improving your company’s training needs.

^[1] https://elearningindustry.com/manufacturing-workforce-training

^[2] https://www.efrontlearning.com/blog/2016/02/elearning-for-the-manufacturing-industry-with-efrontpro.html

^[3] http://www.learninglight.com/manufacturing-training-elearning/

^[4] https://elearningindustry.com/manufacturing-workforce-training

The post Why Manufacturers Need eLearning Translation: 3 Compelling Reasons appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

As your company grows, so does the diversity of your users. Therefore, it is important to make sure your LMS and content can be tailored to the right language to reach your learners and other constituents in various parts of the globe. Understanding the language use of your users is essential to creating a successful international program and should be an important step to consider when choosing a learning platform.

With over 120 language packs available, Moodle, the world’s most widely used learning platform, excels at multilingual customization. Multilingual capabilities in Moodle can be used to teach students new languages or support employees around the globe with a variety of different language backgrounds. The multilingual features in Moodle helps organizations with users located in various parts of the world to host and manage trainings based on the user’s native language as well as their location when using the LMS.

In today’s busy tech-centric world, geographical limitations are a thing of the past. By default, Moodle detects a user’s language from their computer browser settings, but allows an individual to customize their language preference within the LMS.

Learners can also use multiple languages at the same time in the LMS with the ability to switch back and forth between languages, as multiple language packs can be installed within a single site. These packs will not slow down your Moodle performance and can easily be uninstalled if they are no longer needed.

In addition, words or phrases used on the site may be easily changed in Moodle (in any language) using the language customization feature. For example, you may want to change the word “Course” to “Unit” if this is the most accurate or more commonly used term in a specific region.

Similar to the importance of localized eLearning content, the multilingual capabilities in your learning platform is essential in ensuring that there are no linguistic limitations to learning online. Moodle is a great choice as the Moodle community continues to add more languages to their existing repertoire of 120+ language packs so that users can easily localize their site to share education with no geographical limitations.

The post Unlocking Global Learning: How to Share Localized eLearning Content with an LMS Platform appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

If your content is going to reach international audiences, clarity is the goal. Translation-friendly text will not only help your global trainees better comprehend and engage the course, it will help reduce overall cost (and headaches) in the long run.

The aim of eLearning translation and localization is to give a product the look and feel of having been created specifically for a target market, no matter their language, culture, or location. There are a handful of best practices you should consider as you develop eLearning programs to ensure they are easily localized and produce the right results no matter where your audience is located.

Be sensitive to cultural differences in visual aids

Signs, symbols, and colors should be thought out carefully to ensure you’re not surprised by what is considered positive in one country and negative or unlucky in another.

For example, the “peace sign” (specifically when your palm is facing you) is the equivalent of giving someone the finger in the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa. In Iran and several other Middle Eastern countries, the “thumbs up” symbol traditionally translates as a foul insult.¹

Colors can also stir up powerful emotions. In South Africa, for instance, the color red is associated with mourning and in France, yellow signifies jealously, betrayal, weakness, and contradiction.²

If you take time to do your research as you prepare images, videos, or graphics for your eLearning course, you may eliminate time-consuming work later on.

Avoid slang, local humor, or abstract concepts prior to eLearning translation

Cultural sensitivity is a key element when it comes to localizing content. An offensive remark may cause learners to become disengaged or make your organization appear unprofessional. Take time to research the area the course will be completed in, including its culture and customs.

It’s essential that you write clearly and avoid unclear messaging. Try to avoid idiomatic expressions, as well as local or national landmarks or reference points, and other American-specific cultural items like sports.

For example, “taking a rain check” was a baseball term used when a game was rained out and spectators received a rain check to allow entrance to a future game. Today it’s used more widely to mean an event will be rescheduled for a more convenient date, but is still a uniquely American phrase and confusing to other cultures. You want to always be clear and inclusive in the language you use.³

Also, be aware of potential text expansion and make sure there is space to allow for it. Depending on the language, localized text can expand 20 to 50 percent in length. Make sure your source content is less text heavy or has room for expansion, so you’re not faced with localization challenges or delayed timelines.

Consider varying interpretations of time for eLearning Translation

Some cultures think of time sequentially and others view time synchronically. In sequential cultures (like North America, England, Germany, and Sweden), business people give full attention to one agenda item after another. In synchronic cultures (including South America, southern Europe, and Asia) the flow of time is viewed as a circle, with the past, present, and future all connected.

The way a culture views time should influence how the eLearning course approaches deadlines, strategy, planning, and overall training.

Infrastructure may look different in other countries

Finally, you may need to consider the infrastructure realities in certain countries. Bandwidth and hardware issues, or even computer/Internet accessibility, might influence the types of content you develop. Again, do your research and get creative when needed.

By making eLearning translation and localization a priority and taking best practices into account, you will ensure that your content is seen, heard, and experienced in the most effective way possible.

^[1] http://list25.com/25-cultural-faux-pas-you-dont-want-to-commit-while-traveling/5/
^[2] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/smartertravel/what-colors-mean-in-other_b_9078674.html
^[3] Communicating Across Cultures, ASME

The post Breaking Language Barriers: How eLearning Translation Reaches a Global Audience appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

eLearning translation project starting points

At Interpro, we receive the most diverse projects with content that needs to be localized. From simple word documents, extensive interactive eLearning translation projects, to marketing booklets created with InDesign, User Interfaces and Help. Regardless of the source file at hand, the translation of all these products runs a familiar formula. As a project manager, the first thing I do is to have a close look of the source content in order to understand the product and be able to prepare it properly for the translation. For eLearning translation projects, I take the time to immerse myself into the published English course. What type of content is being showcased? Are there interactive features? Even if I am not a subject matter expert in the content at hand, from a purely functional standpoint I find it very important to go through the course and have some context to the project.

The eLearning translation analysis process

When quoting an eLearning translation project, the first items that we require from the client are the source files used to create the course. Many times a client initially provides us with only the published course. While this is helpful to have, having the source files is essential to providing an accurate estimate. Having source files in general is very helpful regardless of project types. However, this is especially true for eLearning translation projects where the “source” files are multiple and diverse in nature. A typical course will have video with audio, graphics, and even support documentation that will need to be translated, such as resources. Depending on the authoring software used to develop the course we will need to receive the files in their source format- Storyline, Captivate and Lectora are some of the more frequent files we work with.

When we receive a new request for an eLearning translation project, the engineering and multilingual desktop publishing teams, as always, will review all source files sent to us. Simple as it might sound, it is very important to start with the question: what version of the software are you using to build this course? For software such as Storyline or Lectora it is critical to use the same version as the client, otherwise there is a risk is to have a malfunctioning localized course. We need to be attentive to each step of the eLearning translation project and that means starting upfront and making sure we know and have exactly what we require. Also, we always ask on which Platform the course will be used (what kind of LMS environment) to make sure the files are prepared accurately.

eLearning translation project elements

Once our teams look at the text that needs to be translated and formatted, we analyze the content to determine project scope. Most courses for eLearning translation will have ‘On Screen Text’ (we abbreviate as OST) and an “Audio Part” narrated by a voice over talent. Sometimes OST and narration part match, but other times they do not – e.g. the narrator explains a formula showing on the screen- therefore when we prepare the files for the translation we will have: Narration Script for Voice Over recording, OST and, if graphics are present, we extract and prepare for translation that content too.

eLearning translation files get processed by the localization engineering and multilingual desktop publishing (DTP) teams. As a project manager, as previously mentioned I will check the actual course in its published version. NOTE: it’s always better if the client send their Published course for accuracy! Watching the full course is not strictly necessary for the files preparation but I personally like to run the course from beginning to end to have a better idea of the contents and address any clarification request to the client if needed. It also happens at time that there are discrepancies between the script provided by the client and the actual audio recorded in the course, (maybe last minute changes were introduced during the recording session). If we can catch these differences in advance it’s always helpful, so we can inform the client and revise the files BEFORE the translation and audio recording are completed.

Multilingual audio: Voice over process

Once all files for translation are prepared and launched, a good practice is to provide the client samples for the voice over talent(s) in the target language. It would be a real nightmare to find out after the recording that the client hates that voice! For audio recording, we have a few different steps in the process. We have to translate the audio script, and sometimes if a script is not available a client will ask us to transcribe the English audio and essentially- create a script for translation.

Once the client selects the voiceover talents, we will schedule with the talents to execute the voice-over recording in a studio environment. Typically in an eLearning translation course, there is one main narrator. However, there have been eLearning translation projects where multiple voices were required. Sometimes this is for scenarios or testimonial based videos located within the course.

Also, depending on the timeframe we are working with and the client preference, we offer the option of reviewing our translation prior to start DTP and Voice Over recording. This is something our clients should take us up on, as long as they have a native speaker that can review our translations. We call this step “In Country Review”. We provide a bilingual file where the client reviewer can annotate any preferred changes in the translation. This is a very useful step in an eLearning translation project to ensure client satisfaction, and… it is totally free!

When translation is completed, ICR performed & file updated (if client opted for it), and audio for narration recorded, we finally build back the target language course.

A note about Voice Over recording. Depending on the nature of the course, the client might opt to subtitle the English videos rather that recording the voice in the target language. In this case, our multimedia team takes care of this task once the translations are ready. If the “On Screen Text” matches the narration, one more option is to simply leave the audio in English and use the OST as reference.

eLearning Translation – the final touches

After translation and audio recording is completed, we have to format the course and synch the audio to all course elements. We do this through our talented and experience DTP department. We work in the same version and platform (MAC/PC) that our clients worked in to author the English course. For example, if the client worked in Storyline 2, we want to ensure we work in Storyline 2 for all multilingual training versions.

After DTP is completed, we publish this localized course and our linguistic team runs it for QA. If any issue is noted, they’ll prepare a “QA report” used by the DTP team to implement the course accordingly. The rounds of QA will be as many as needed in order to have a course error free, which runs as smoothly as the English one. I personally run myself the full course in the target language several times to make sure it runs properly before delivering. We want to make sure to sign off on an eLearning translation before it is seen by our clients.

When the course is ready, we return all the files received in the target language and also provide a Published course to the client to review.

And that’s how you get a fully localized eLearning course from Interpro! The multilingual training is now ready to be used and enjoyed by your international team members!

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Building Confidence with Voice Over Translation

When you globalize your content, you already know how important it is to translate and localize your work so that a customer, an employee in a foreign country, or a multilingual speaker feels included. It’s not enough to simply translate the words into another language; you have to know your target audience’s culture and adapt your content to fit that. The same has to be done with any eLearning instructional courses and videos, which is why voice over translation is a must for global growth inside your company, as well as outside.

Imagine that you are a newly-hired employee with very little experience in speaking English. Your new employer has just handed you new employee orientation materials, eLearning apps, and employee training videos to prepare you for your job, but they are all in English. Despite knowing some of the language, you can’t comprehend all of the material, and you end up missing a lot of important information, especially if some of the content is spoken in slang or less-formal English.

Frustrating, right? Not just for an employee, but for their employers, too. However, with a voice over translation service, you can adapt all of your eLearning and training materials into understandable content. Voice over translation means using a native speaker to customize your marketing videos and eLearning materials into a language that is native to those utilizing them. This will not only build confidence in your company, but it will assist the learner to grasp the content more rapidly.

Why a Voice Over Translation Service is Necessary

In short, voice over translation makes your localized eLearning content and videos look and sound professional. When you’re only using one language for all of your training materials, an employee may not feel as comfortable with the company and may have difficulties understanding their duties. You also have to consider that, like written content, languages can be very different when spoken. You want your employees and customers to be fully immersed in both your written and spoken content, and while you may speak several languages and feel you can DIY your voice over translation, the truth is, a native speaker can make your content much more effective and professional.

Why Voice Over Translation Surpasses Other Translation Services

It may sound easier (no pun intended) to simply use subtitles to adapt your videos into a foreign language, but this can be problematic, especially if you’re translating eLearning materials. By using voice over translation, you’re gaining confidence in your employee or client as they are able to fully immerse themselves into the material without keeping up with words on-screen. With training materials especially, often the content moves quickly and an employee may have difficulty catching all of the information. If your video also has more than one speaker, subtitles make it increasingly difficult to follow who is speaking, and since many videos are viewed on a mobile device, subtitles can be hard to read. Another thing to consider? many written languages will be longer and more expansive than English, which could lead to broken text in several frames of your video, rather than a neat, fluid subtitle. With voice over translation, your customers and employees can relax and hear everything they need to know in their native language, giving them a level of comfort that subtitles simply can’t compete with. Many languages fall into this category, especially for French audio translation and Spanish audio translation.

Types of Voice Over Translation

There are a few different options when you’re looking to provide your materials with a voice over translation service. When you’re trying to choose, you simply need to look at the format of your video, as well as your target audience. Do they need to hear the original language as well as their native language? Do you want the video to look as if it was originally filmed in your audience’s native language? Your needs can be taken care of with one of these four voice over translation techniques.

• Voice replacement. This technique is exactly what it sounds like and what many clients think of when looking at voice over translation. By muting the original speakers in your video, the new language speakers replace the original words with their native language. The difficulty in this technique is trying to match the original voices, such as emphasizing certain points.
• UN-style voice over. This is a popular choice. Often, many videos and eLearning materials need the original speaker’s voice to be heard in addition to the audience’s native language. With this type of voice over translation, the original speaker’s voice is not replaced, but simply spoken over. The audience can hear the original voice for just a few seconds before the new voice over translation is heard, surpassing the volume of the original speaker. This voice over translation technique is especially helpful when you want your employees or customers to relate to the original voice while still being immersed in their native language.
• Off-screen voice over. This is common with eLearning courses where voice over translation is heard off screen and the user can follow on-screen text and animations. You’ll want to employ this technique when it is not a video being shown. It’s not hard for this type of voice over translation to be produced, often requiring only one actor, and the new language can often be synced to the original text.
• LipSynching/Dubbing. This voice over translation option is probably most recognizable to you as it’s the service utilized in foreign films. If you want your video to look as though it was originally filmed in the audience’s native language, dubbing is the voice over translation you want. While it does provide your video with a level of professionalism that can’t be beat, allowing you to stand out above your competitors, it’s also an incredibly difficult type of voice over translation. It requires not only blending the new voice with all of the other audio in the video, but it also means hiring a voice over translation talent that can match the language to the lips of the original speaker to make it fluid.
• Actor Replacement. While much less common, organizations can opt to re-shoot and film a video with a new native speaking actor to replace the English speaker on-screen. Typically this is done in a green screen type environment. Certainly, this is the most costly option- however if a budget allows, it also may arguably be the most effective solution.

The Voice Over Translation Process

As important as voice over translation is for your multimedia materials, it’s not always a simple process. Like all other materials being translated into another language, a voice over translation requires a lot of detail and skill to make your content as professional and competent as possible. This is not a technique you want to rush through or cut corners on.

The first step in voice over translation is transcribing your audio content. Obviously, there’s no way to translate the content without knowing the script, right? Once it’s been transcribed, it’s translated into the language you’re looking for. Here is where things can get a bit complicated. For example, if you want your content to be translated for Chinese, that’s fine. But you’ll have to know your target audience for the voice over translation. Do you need Mandarin or Cantonese? This is something to think about before you start the voice over translation process, as it also affects which translators are chosen for your project.

After the proof-read and edited script has been translated to as close to the original length as possible, you have the option to review it before choosing your voice over translation talent. At Interpro, we pride ourselves on our extensive list of professional native-speaking talent. We can offer you samples based on your gender and style needs, as well as language. If you’re unsure of the type of voice over translation talent you need, we also have the experience to pick an appropriate speaker for your project. But no matter how the talent is chosen, you have the final word on which speaker works best for you and your multimedia localization.

From there, the new voice over translation is recorded in the technique you’ve chosen, and the video is edited. The video is formatted and synced so that it all flows well and looks and sounds professional. All of your files are received in the language you requested, and you can request changes before giving it your final stamp of approval.

Final thoughts on voice over translation

No matter what type of material you’re translating or what you’re looking for when you’re globalizing the content, whether it’s for customers or employees, voice over translation services are worth it. Localization of your material is not complete if the audio doesn’t match a targeted audience, especially without a native speaker. Let Interpro take your voice over translation project to the next level, providing you with professional, efficient multimedia.

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