The importance of Localization for eLearning Translation

For a growing industry expected to be worth over 300 billion by 2025, eLearning translation has become a burning need for academic institutions. eLearning has also become important for organizations as they create digital training programs for their employees, and as they’re translating employee handbooks and providing LEP employees with technical manual translation services. Translation alone isn’t always enough, though. Companies, organization, schools, and more will benefit from hiring professional language service companies that provide localized academic translations to deliver clear insights for their target audience.

Why eLearning translation requires localization services

1. Language structures flow differently | eLearning translation

There are 12 languages written form right to left such as: Urdu, Hebrew, Arabic and Persian. Currently, the most used is Arabic, spoken by 1.7 billion people. Naturally, this has an effect on the way our brains scan content and break up the page which is why it is crucial to adapt the flow of any e-Learning course before translation. Considering and re-directing for a right-to-left language is an important adaptation since it affects the content beyond the technical setup of the language; it includes moving transitions, graphics and page layout.

2. A picture is worth a thousand words – but they aren’t always the same ones

Tailoring images to provide relevant eLearning translation to audiences in different countries is important when it comes to the effect of specific colors and symbolisms. In Western culture, white stands for marriage, angels, hospitals and doctors. In Japan and India, it symbolizes death. As another example, there are hand symbols that differ greatly from country to country. The ‘OK sign’ in the English-speaking world indicates everything is great or perfect. However, in Brazil, this is a very rude gesture. Cultural sensitivity is key for great professional business translation services.

3. Same words, different language | eLearning translation

The same words in one language can have different meanings depending on the region.  Professional localization services can help avoid these pitfalls when translating content. Even when using material for two different regions that speak the same language, localizing the content gracefully considers cultural nuances that still affect the meaning of specific words and phrases.  For example, in Spanish, the word ‘guagua’ means ‘baby’ or it means ‘small child’ in Chile.  In Puerto Rico, it stands for ‘bus’ or a ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’. Localizing content for eLearning translation can be imperative for a useful product.

About Language Connections:

Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.

Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com

How language service companies can help you implement e-Learning trends

Current eLearning trends are based on accessibility and technology. Naturally, multilingual training and eLearning translation services will improve the eLearning experience for students, organizations and academic institutions. Language service companies can enhance eLearning platforms’ effectiveness with multilingual chatbots, game-based lessons and adaptive video training.

AI and Learning Assistance empowered by eLearning translation services

Virtual teachers are being used in the eLearning space, they can predict learner behavior and have 24/7 availability. Artificial Intelligence and voice-guided bots will not only enhance the students experience, they can also respond to questions regarding technical support. Language service companies can help schools and organizations implement this trend by providing eLearning translation and subtitling for virtual teachers. Making these AI teachers bilingual, or even multilingual, will create an accessible and exciting learning process for all students!

Language service companies must play a big role in Game-based Learning

Although it may seem like video games stagnate the human brain, research suggests that gaming can have a positive effect on the brain regions responsible for concentration and visuospatial skills. Game-based learning that has been implemented in higher education has resulted in increased satisfaction and engagement of students. As institutions focus on engaging their students with gaming-oriented lessons, they will need education translation services so that these games are accessible for all students! If students are from different geographic regions, organizations and institutions creating gamified learning will also want to use e-Learning localization so the lesson is culturally appropriate too!

Language service companies for Video-based Learning for multiple audiences

A major part of organizational development is conducted via video-based learning with instructor-led training. For video lessons, corporate translation services can enhance accessibility for LEP students, with subtitles and voice-overs to support overall eLearning localization. Overall, video-based learning is expected to grow, (and ideally videos will decrease in load time). Providing clear and succinct training material will be easier with the expertise of language service companies who can translate your videos precisely.

Constant Surprises: Life in Medical Interpreting

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Challenges in Song Translation

Music carries universal messages. However, music translation services can be tricky, especially due to differences in cultures. Songs are a product of culture, and it can be challenging to maintain the meaning and message of the lyrics within the scope of a new cultural context. Even in a song that seems to discuss a universal topic, like love, it’s not easy to break free of language barriers to communication! Read more about how song translation is done.

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3 Mistakes People Make During Translating Russian to English

Did you know that Russian word “возможность” can be translated to English in 2 different ways: as “opportunity” or “possibility?”  Did you know that English syntax is more strictly structured than Russian syntax? The word order isn’t nearly as flexible in English as it is in the Russian language. Interpreters must be aware of quirks like this when translating Russian to English. Read on for more intriguing quirks when translating Russian into English.

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Starbucks Will Open First American Sign Language Signing Store in the U.S.

Ordering a “grande java chocolate chip frappe, skimmed milk, extra chips, no whipped cream and an extra shot” is a mouthful for any Starbucks client. But for deaf people, just a simple cup of coffee could already pose a challenge! Accomplishing even the most basic transactions like ordering food in the hearing world is not always a smooth or stress-free experience for the deaf community. Luckily, Starbucks is making moves towards solving that. On July 19th, the Seattle-based company announced that it’ll take an innovative approach to incorporating Deaf Culture into its services by opening its very first American Sign Language (ASL) signing store. The store is set to open in October in Washington, D.C. near Gallaudet University. Read more about its exciting features and how this new full language service store will expose society to another language and culture!

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Facts You Can Learn about State Interpreters from Trump and Putin’s Private Meeting

State interpreters help bridge the language gap during meetings, summits or conferences. But presidential interpreters not only facilitate communication between languages—they also serve important roles. They act as confidants, record keepers, de facto diplomats and fact-checkers! Certified interpreters like them also witness and take part in pivotal moments of history. This was the case for Marina Gross, a veteran State Department interpreter, who interpreted Vladimir Putin’s Russian for President Trump during a private conversation in Helsinki, Finland. Shortly after, Democrats began to suggest that it would be necessary to bring Gross in for a hearing, and even passed a motion for a subpoena so she’d be required to tell the public what transpired. The event sparked a discussion about the role of interpreters that has gained traction until today. Read more about Trump-Putin’s meeting and the high-pressure work of state interpreters!

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German Translation of World Cup Fun

Did you know that German is one of FIFA’s four official languages (the others being English, French and Spanish)?  FIFA’s official professional translation services and interpreting services will include German translation, as they do every World Cup. Since Soccer is the most popular sport in Germany, they have a lot of fun traditions for celebrating and watching the “Weltcup”, as they call it. Read on to learn more. 

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Translating and Professional Interpreting for the World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is, among other things, a large global business. Players, coaches, managers, support staff, marketing staff, medical staff, and even event staff come from all over the world and speak hundreds of languages. Sometimes players on the same team don’t even speak the same language, as players may get traded or drafted by teams in different countries. So like any global business, the World Cup has a deep need for multi-language translation services and professional interpreting services. Read on to see how translating and interpreting needs are handled at the World Cup.

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Translating for Thai Consumers: Homophones, Puns, and Naughty Words

Did you know that in Thai, the word “poo” means “crab?” Or that “porn” also means “blessing?” Did you know that the Thai language is full of puns that are integral to the country’s culture? Unexpected translations and quirks like this abound in Thai. If you’re doing business with Thai consumers, you’ll find more success if you’re open to all these quirks when translating your marketing materials!

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