Introduction
Have you been hearing a lot about “translation” and “localization,” but still aren’t sure how the two are different, or which one to use for the e-learning you create?
In this article, we’ll walk you through the differences between translating and localizing, and help you decide which is best for your project. Let’s dive in!
What is translation?
Translation is when you convert text from one language to another, word for word—without making any adaptations.
What is localization?
Localization takes translation a step further to create culturally relevant learning experiences that resonate with global audiences. It considers your learners’ cultural, linguistic, and social expectations.
So, instead of just translating English text into Spanish, localization might also include adapting cultural references, modifying date formats, and changing visuals to align with local practices.
Should you translate or localize your courses?
If you’re not sure whether or not your e-learning project needs to be translated or localized, ask yourself these questions:
- What are my training goals and workforce demographics? If you’re addressing language barriers for a multilingual workforce within the same region, translation may be enough. For example, if you have a large segment of Spanish-speaking employees in the United States, translating the material into Spanish may be your most effective option.
- Do your employees span multiple countries with varied cultures? If so, localization is likely a better fit. Localization is essential when training a global workforce because it ensures that content is not only understandable for employees, but also resonates with them. This will help increase engagement and retention, making your training more effective.
- What’s your timeline? If your deadline is approaching fast, translation may end up being your only option. It happens, but keep in mind that this will impact the effectiveness of your translated training. That’s why planning for localization is imperative, so you can ensure projects yield the same results in both target and original languages.
Wrap-up
Remember: Translation is when you convert text from one language to another without making any adaptations. Localization transforms training to fit your audience’s cultural, linguistic, and social expectations. If your employees span various countries and cultures, localized e-learning is the best way to train them.
Feeling overwhelmed by course translation and localization? Don’t worry! Articulate Localization makes it easy. Now you can translate, validate, and manage courses—without leaving Articulate 360.
Already an Articulate 360 subscriber? Contact your admin about starting a trial of Articulate Localization. And if you’re not, contact us to learn more.
Want to learn more about localization? Check out this helpful article series: All About E-Learning Localization. Join the discussion in our Localization group, and subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest product updates, e-learning examples, and expert advice sent directly to your inbox.