We live in a world that is becoming increasingly globalized and digitalized. From the extensive use of smartphones to the rise of remote work and the Internet of Things, it appears that we are constantly connected. Aside from work and play, the Internet could be the foundation of the future of education. It could open up a world of new opportunities for users no matter where they are.
A recent market report forecasts that the global eLearning market will expand by $7.20 billion between 2022 and 2026. It’s crucial to adopt an international perspective when starting your curriculum development because eLearning is becoming more and more common in people’s lives all over the world.
Many people are under the impression that words can be translated into another language in order to produce multilingual content for e-learning platforms. To be clear, there is more to it than just that. If you want to use eLearning to make content for more than one language, you will need to think more deeply and consider the cultural setting.
Therefore, according to its definition, multi-language eLearning content is the process of adapting existing content to satisfy the academic and cultural requirements of various students from various parts of the world. Take, for example, the case where you want to create a topic related to tax compliance in a number of different languages.
It is important to be aware that the rules and regulations of the surrounding area have a significant impact on this course. As a result of this, it is essential that you modify the content in accordance with the local rules and regulations, in addition to translating the words themselves.
Aside from that, you also need to adapt to different cultures, which includes being able to convert dates and numbers into different formats, using different currencies, and using the appropriate wordplay. Let’s discuss the advantages of developing e-learning content in multiple languages.
The most successful multi-language eLearning content adapts itself to the linguistic, cultural, and academic requirements of each individual student. If you want to create a lesson about tax compliance, for instance, in multiple languages, you need to be aware of the local rules and regulations that apply to each learner.
Also, it’s important to give the numbers and dates in the right format, as well as an alternative currency and examples that don’t use vague cultural terms or references. Creating a platform that supports multiple languages may seem like a time-consuming and difficult task, but the financial and social benefits will make it worth it in the long run.
Regarding the concept of using English as an international language, there are two primary considerations that you need to take into account: Even among people who are fluent in English, there is a possibility that they will choose to communicate in their native language rather than English.
Can’t Read, Won’t Buy, a study conducted by CSA Research and widely cited found that the majority of people prefer to have their internet experience in their native language, regardless of whether they are shopping, reading, or interacting with other people online.
Regardless of whether or not a person is able to communicate in a second language, people will always choose to consume a high-quality translation in their native language if it is available to them. Last but not least, teaching in your student’s native language will improve retention rates, guarantee that their English proficiency level will not be a barrier to their learning experience, and make them feel as though they are part of a community.
The provision of educational resources in the native language of the students ought to be of such fundamental importance to teachers that UNESCO promotes the idea as an element of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Even though the main goal of the organization is to make sure that linguistic minorities have access to formal education, it is important for all schools to make an effort to help students who speak different languages.
If you are unfamiliar with the procedure, developing a multilingual e-learning program can be difficult, despite the fact that it offers significant benefits to the student who uses it. Creating a multilingual website for eLearning or an app that supports multiple languages can present a number of challenges, we’ll go over some of the most common challenges.
When creating an application for multiple languages, one of the first things that one needs to keep in mind is that translation is only one part of the entire process and does not account for all of it. This is because an eLearning course has more than just text. It also has images, audio and video, interactive quizzes, gamified content, and navigational elements, just to name a few of its many parts.
When translating a technical document you can’t just translate it through Google Translate you need to localize by using technical document translation services by a reliable translation service provider.
In order for your efforts to localize to be successful, they need to be the result of a business strategy that has been thoroughly researched. It is to your advantage to start the process of localization as soon as possible.
Any company that is in a position to expand internationally should approach the process methodically and tackle it one market at a time.
It is extremely important to identify and investigate your intended audience. However, why? There are more factors at play than just differences in language.
Clarification is important when making any course, but it’s especially important when making eLearning that can be used in more than one language. Your eLearning localization process will be much easier if the original content is written in a simple style, uses examples from the target culture in the right way, and doesn’t make too many assumptions about the student’s background or context.
When explaining complex ideas, one may try to aid understanding by employing jargon and idioms. It may work in the original content, but if these idioms are not transferable to other languages, translation and localization will be much more difficult than necessary.
If you want your eLearning content to appeal to as many people as possible in your target demographic, it should not have any of these problems. On the subject of language, it’s also important to note that, depending on the subject of your course, there may be a domain-specific term that needs to be carefully translated.
A good multilingual learning experience is only possible if your course’s most complex technical material is handled by experts. Ideally, an eLearning localization service provider will connect you with translators who are experts in your field and understand how to handle domain-specific terminology based on your student’s location.
Learning management systems (LMS) that support multilingual features make it simple to render the exact same program in a variety of different languages.
Make use of translation memory so that you can reuse strings that have already been translated and approved. This contributes to the preservation of a constant quality level. Machine translation engines that are powered by artificial intelligence (AI) have the ability to learn from previous translations and produce more accurate results.
You are able to create style guides that will provide translators with information regarding the tone of voice, the words that should not be translated, and so on. Translation management systems (TMS) that are entirely web-based make project management much simpler, more transparent, and more readily available.
Without causing any complications due to the existence of multiple versions, a large number of translators can work concurrently on the same project. Through the use of this system, clients, project managers, and translators are all able to interact with one another in order to provide clarification and suggestions.
In addition, there are tools available for reviewing and evaluating the level of quality, both of which help the work get done more quickly.
All participants in the international and multilingual eLearning sector, from consultants to universities, share a common goal: to provide exceptional learning experiences that bring people closer to their goals. To do so on a global scale, however, you’ll need a language partner who can assist you in immersing yourself in your target culture and connecting with locals.
Localization is a multifaceted process that is best carried out by an experienced, multidisciplinary team led by a specialized project manager. Collaboration with reputable eLearning localization providers is essential. The best translation services are those that are willing to take on the entire project from start to finish, covering every last detail and ensuring that your product is market-ready.
EuroLingo has helped international businesses for a long time. They offer translation and localization services for eLearning, which are done by linguists who are native speakers and experts in their fields and use the latest technology.
eLearning is here to stay, and multilingual eLearning platforms are assisting thousands of people all over the world in their professional and personal development. Courses are in high demand across disciplines and around the world. So, if you’ve been thinking about expanding into new markets with a multilingual course, the time has come.
Alexia is the author at Research Snipers covering all technology news including Google, Apple, Android, Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung News, and More.
