Now, more than ever before, companies are realizing the importance of helping their employees gain new skills and knowledge by investing in the appropriate training. E-learning has established itself as the ideal way for students and employees to access new information from all around the world. Although the sector has seen tremendous growth on all continents, the North American market is considered the most mature. According to the Docebo study for 2017-2021, the United States is the global leader in adopting e-learning technology and services. In today’s world, e-learning is the most accessible form of education. Almost 67 percent of the worldwide population prefers to learn via e-learning courses on smartphones or other devices.
People want content delivered in their own language to understand it better. They also expect content tailored to their regional learning styles. This is where e-learning localization comes into play, ensuring that content resonates with learners from different regions.
Why E-learning Localization is Critical for Global Training
E-learning content localization is not just about translating words; it’s about adapting the material for diverse cultures, languages, and learning preferences. Proper localization ensures that your training materials are both understandable and relevant for employees in different regions.
6 Common Mistakes in E-learning Localization and How to Avoid Them
There are a few frequent mistakes that organizations make when localizing e-learning content. These mistakes can impact the quality of the learning experience and even hinder your training ROI.
1. Using Free Tools to Minimize Costs
While every company has a set training budget, cutting corners with low-cost or free translation tools can negatively affect your content’s effectiveness. Investing in professional localization ensures better quality, and research from IBM shows that every $1 spent on online learning can yield $30 in productivity.
2. Keeping It Brief
Often, the translated text may need more space than the original content. E-learning content should be designed with a 20% margin for language expansion to avoid cutting important information. However, you also want to avoid making the translated material too lengthy or tedious.
3. Visuals in the Presentation of E-learning Content
Graphics play an important role in e-learning content. However, embedding text directly into images can complicate localization. To streamline the process, provide editable graphic/photo files and minimize text in visuals whenever possible.
4. Ignoring Cultural Differences
Localization involves more than just language—it requires cultural consideration. For example, images, symbols, or colors that work in one culture may not resonate in another. Tailoring content to fit the cultural context of your audience enhances learning engagement.
5. Translation and Localization Can Be Perplexing
Translation is not the same as localization. While translation ensures the text is in the target language, localization adapts all elements of the course (audio, video, colors, symbols) to align with the local culture. Localization is key to improving comprehension.
6. Taking Cultural Differences for Granted
Understanding cultural differences is essential. Failing to research the target audience’s culture can lead to unintentional mistakes. Localization experts help ensure that your content aligns with cultural norms, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or offense.
How to Ensure Effective E-learning Localization
By considering these common mistakes and taking the proper steps, you can improve the effectiveness of your e-learning localization. Always work with professionals who understand both the linguistic and cultural intricacies of your target markets.
Lingual Consultancy’s E-learning Localization Services
At Lingual Consultancy, we offer e-learning localization services in over 70 languages, ensuring your training content is accessible, relevant, and engaging for learners worldwide. Contact us today for professional localization services tailored to your specific needs.
For any requirements or queries, drop us an email at [email protected] or contact us.
