In today’s globalized world, e-learning and training programs are essential for organizations to reach diverse audiences. However, translating these materials can be a costly and time-consuming process if not done correctly. In this article, we will discuss strategies to ensure that your e-learning and training budget isn’t lost in translation, while maintaining the effectiveness of your content.
Plan for translation from the beginning
When creating e-learning content, it’s crucial to consider translation from the start. Design your materials with a global audience in mind, using clear and concise language that can be easily understood by non-native speakers. Avoid idiomatic expressions, cultural references, and jargon that may not translate well. By doing so, you’ll save time and money during the translation process and transmit a clear and effective message in the target language.
Choose the right translation method
When translating e-learning courses with video content, you have two main options: subtitles/captions or voice-overs. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s essential to choose the method that best suits your target audience and budget. Subtitles/captions are generally more cost-effective, while voice-overs can provide a more immersive experience for learners. You’ll want to consider the preferences of your target audience and the complexity of the content when making your decision.
Focus on learning outcomes
To create an effective learning experience that translates well, focus on the learning outcomes of your e-learning and training materials. Identify the key objectives and verify that the translated content aligns with these goals. This will help you maintain the effectiveness of your materials while adapting them for different languages and cultures.
Collaborate with professional translators
For highly effective translation of e-learning and training materials, it’s crucial to partner with professional linguists like those at TrueLanguage who specialize in this area. Each expert understands the nuances of both the source and target language in question and can help you adapt your content to resonate with your intended audience. Additionally, they can provide valuable insights into cultural considerations and help you avoid potential pitfalls.
Use translation-friendly authoring tools
When you select the right authoring tools, you can make the translation process more efficient and cost-effective. Look for tools that support multiple languages and allow for easy content updates. This will enable you to streamline the translation process and will help you keep your materials up-to-date and relevant for your target audience.
Test and review translated content
Before launching your translated e-learning and training materials, it’s essential to test and review them to check their effectiveness. It’s always a good idea to gather feedback from native speakers of the target language to identify any issues or areas for improvement. This will help you fine-tune your content so that it optimally addresses the needs of your target audience.
Summary
If you follow these strategies, you can be confident that your e-learning and training budget won’t be lost in translation. By planning for translation from the beginning, choosing the right method, focusing on learning outcomes, collaborating with professional translators, using translation-friendly authoring tools, and testing and reviewing your content, you can create engaging and effective learning experiences for audiences from different language and cultural backgrounds.
The team at TrueLanguage is ready, willing, and able to help guide you through your next e-learning, training, or educational translation project. Click here to see a demo in German, or here for a demo in Chinese. Then contact us for a no-cost, no-obligation quote or learn more about the process.
