eLearning Content Localization: Things to Ponder Over

eLearning content localization changes the courses’ content to ensure that new audience or users from different regional or cultural backgrounds can understand it. It comprises changes in the visuals, symbolic representation, accent or tones, words, and pronouns. It might often cover graphics and user interface to make it appropriate to the culture of the specific audience. 

Localization Vs. Translation

Translation means changing the content to a different language without any consideration for cultural or social relevance. In simple words, it is translating everything from one language to another with a straightforward approach. 

In contrast, localization is about adapting the content according to cultural and social significance. It promotes specific and contextual changes to ensure that targeted audience can understand it, and nothing is lost in the translation. 

The Need for eLearning Content Localization

These are amongst the top reasons for content localization: 

1. Expansion of The Platform

If there is a need to expand the LMS and distribute it in other regions to attract more prospects, localization might become indispensable. It is especially paramount in the areas where things might get lost in translation. 

2. Appropriate Learning 

By adapting the educational content according to a person’s social growth, learning can become more comfortable. They will have an easier time understanding the courses and concepts. Thus, it would boost the learning process to an optimum level. It will be a more natural approach to them. 

3. Eliminates Chances of Offense 

In some cultures, a specific word or visual could represent something else entirely. For instance, crisps in the UK are chips in the US. Yellow is the color of envy in Germany, while it is associated with education in India. Therefore, localization becomes pivotal. 

4. Increases Clientele 

By adapting the content to the targeted audience’s local language and culture, you could make the eLearning platform stand out. Hence, it will attract more patrons and boost the conversion rate. 

eLearning Content Localization: Things to keep in mind

The following tips can ensure initiation of the proper content localization strategy for an eLearning platform: 

1. Conduct Local Research 

Understanding your target audience is the primary step to content localization. However, it requires you to conduct thorough research to understand how the process should carry forward.

2. Hire A Native 

One of the best approaches would be to hire a native professional to cut down on the miscommunication. It is a fantastic option to significantly decrease any error and ensure nothing is lost in the translation. 

3. Prepare Localization Friendly Platform 

It’s better to develop an application that you can efficiently adapt for localization. If not done before, future development with attention to content localization would be a beneficial step for a smoother transition. 

Starting with the content that can be globalized would be an ideal choice. Understanding how the target audience consumes or utilizes content would also work effectively. eLearning content localization would ensure effective learning and better knowledge acquisition.

G-Cube is among the fastest-growing learning-tech organization in the entire Asia-Pacific region with 80+ awards in the last 6 years, and a noteworthy experience of 20+ years in the said domain. Our LMS (Learning Management System) Suite is highly compatible to the current eLearning needs of varied industries. For any queries, please do write to us.