What is eLearning Localisation and Why Does it Matter?

The 21st century has witnessed a significant transformation in global communication, a change that COVID-19 has only accelerated. The importance of virtual, on-demand training videos, modules, and presentations has surged with the adoption of remote learning as the new norm. To be effective, this content—whether coursework, tutorials, or entire online modules—must be well-prepared, engaging, and multilingual. In this new era of eLearning, institutions and workplaces face challenges such as engaging a remote workforce, tracking progress, and tailoring learning and development. At the same time, maintaining a consistent, professional brand tone is crucial for increasing engagement and retention. So, where does eLearning localisation fit into this evolving landscape?

What is eLearning Localisation?

eLearning localisation refers to adapting content to particular regions and audiences to suit their linguistic, cultural, and regional preferences. Localisation involves translating text, audio, and visual elements. User interfaces and navigation may also be adjusted to match familiar design conventions and languages for the target audience. These might include corporate staff and academic students, as well as reseller networks.

What is the Difference between eLearning Translation and eLearning Localisation?

While translation only provides an eLearning course in a different language while preserving its original meaning, localisation tailors the course to the specific audience and culture. This process involves modifying images, idioms, fonts, currency, dates, tone, measurement units, and other essential details. The goal of eLearning translation and localisation is to ensure that learners or employees comprehend the course content within their cultural context.

How to Prepare an eLearning That is Easy to Localise?

Well-designed eLearning offers significant cost savings by allowing the same material to be used across different language versions. One way to optimize your budget is during the scripting stage. For example, you can limit the amount of text in images or videos, as this is often challenging to localise. You should also opt for neutral elements that cannot be misinterpreted, which requires in-depth research into the target culture. eLearning graphics, such as a thumbs-up, can be perceived as an encouraging sign in some cultures (e.g., the U.S.), whereas in others (such as Iran) it is considered an insult. Another budget-friendly option is to choose a font that is recognized and supported by as many target languages as possible.

How to Achieve Effective eLearning Localisation?

1. Understand your audience
   Without a thorough understanding of your audience, you risk failing to engage them effectively. Consider factors such as the age and gender of your audience, and use words and images that resonate with their demographics. Additionally, account for variations in dates, currencies, and times. You should also identify the most appropriate language for your audience. With over 6,000 languages spoken worldwide, it would be impossible to localise content for all of them. Instead, focus on the 30 most commonly spoken languages to reach a large portion of the market. Addressing these issues at the start of your localisation strategy is both easier and more cost-effective.
   
2. Concentrate on both design and language
   During the localisation of your eLearning project, always keep in mind that graphics, images, and videos are just as important as text. Double-check their appropriateness for the target market.
   
3. Keep in mind the importance of voice localisation
   Voice-overs are often used in online training to better explain and contextualize on-screen text and graphics. However, with voice narration, other quality considerations come into play. For example, you need to consider whether the tone of your narrator matches your brand and whether it is lively enough to engage your teams.

Why is eLearning Localisation so Important?

Overlooking cultural nuances and sensitivities in eLearning courses, or underestimating the complexity of localisation, can alienate a significant portion of your audience and lead to revenue loss. To avoid these issues, conduct thorough cultural research. Collaborate with native speakers or cultural experts to gain insights into what is acceptable in the target culture. This will ensure your content aligns with cultural norms and context, making it more relatable, clear, and engaging for your audience.