eLearning makes training content available anywhere in the world. If an area has internet access, then the people there can use online training resources. Organizations can extend their reach and do so at far less cost than traditional in-person training.

Many benefits come with eLearning, however it isn’t without its challenges. One thing to remember is that when sharing training content with a widespread audience, you will have to be prepared to work with different currencies, languages, and cultural elements.

That’s where localization comes in. Before you learn how to get more out of your learning management system, make sure it accommodates your audience.

What is Localization in eLearning?

Localization refers to content that is adapted to meet the preferences of a target audience. This includes cultural, regional, and linguistic preferences. While language is a part of the process, it isn’t the only thing to consider when localizing your training content.

All content types, including those that are visual, audio, and text, should be localized.  There are also cultural aspects to consider, like what units of measurement are used, date formatting, and examples that will resonate with people from the region.

Translation is important, but it doesn’t mean your content is localized. Translation means that an alternate language is used while preserving the meaning of the content. Localization fully adapts to the target audience and their culture.

Translation by itself doesn’t make the content feel truly local. It doesn’t account for design elements. Localization makes the content feel like an authentic local experience.

The Benefits of Localized eLearning

Why bother localizing training content if you can still convey the same general concepts through translation only? Localization can improve the overall success of your training program.

• Localization Improves Employee Retention

Hiring is an expensive process, which is why many businesses look for ways to improve employee retention. Localization can help when working across borders and communities.

Organizations that present localized training content will produce happier, better trained employees. Learners can focus all their energy and time on becoming subject matter experts rather than wasting resources on understanding material that hasn’t been localized.

This translates to better outcomes and happier teams. Happy employees are also more likely to give their employers better job performance.

• Localized Content Creates a Better Learning Experience

Localization also improves the learning experience. Learners can engage with material with no obstacles. When the content is tailored to their culture, language, and location, it will be more effective and improve knowledge retention.

Learners can focus on the material and concepts being taught rather than struggling with language, examples, or trying to convert measurements, dates, and other information.

• Localization Helps Organizations Enter New Markets

Businesses that want to break into new markets or claim a larger share of foreign markets should look to localization. This will make it much easier to connect with a target audience.

Roadblocks and communication barriers are a deterrent among customers, potential hires, and business partners. Localizing your educational materials will help you reach your audience and get a better reaction from them.

• Localized Content Reduces Training Costs and Improves Productivity

eLearning is known to reduce training costs. It can be delivered to more people – and without the need for physical materials. It also helps companies save on training costs because no travel is required.

A trainer can reach out to classes all over the world without leaving home. A live online class can be conducted with an audience in one country immediately followed by a class in a different country.

How to Effectively Localize Your Online Training

It takes time and resources to localize eLearning. However, once it’s done, you can use the same content again and again.

• Use an LMS That Supports Localized Learning

Your LMS should provide the tools you need to localize your learning content. If you aren’t sure where to begin, try reading LMS reviews online to see which have the features you need.

Some eLearning platforms have multiple languages built in. They can also give you access to pre-made courses and content that comes in different languages or were built for specific regions and audiences.

• Do a Deep Dive on Your Audience’s Culture

Before you begin the localization process, make sure you have a solid understanding of your audience’s culture. You should know cultural preferences, preferred spellings, accepted tone, currencies and more.

Skipping this essential step could make it difficult to connect with your learners.

Also, remember to consider the age and background of your audience. This should help guide the localization process.

• Apply Localization to Voiceovers and Audio

It’s easy to rewrite text, but rerecording voiceovers and audio clips can be more involved. It’s important to not skip this step. Full localization should encompass all types of content. Narration should also be given in the local language.

This is especially important due to the different ways that people learn. Some may not be strong readers and rely more heavily on listening. Make sure all content is fully localized to ensure that you meet the needs of all learner types.

• Choose Languages That Meet Your Business Goals

There are 195 countries in the world today, but there are far more languages. More than 7,100 languages are officially known. Localizing content for even half of them would be a monumental task. That’s why organizations should focus on languages that will help them meet their goals.

Despite thousands of languages that are in use, only about 30 rank among the most commonly spoken. That includes Spanish, English, French, and Mandarin. Choosing a few of the most common languages in the regions you operate in will help you reach a larger portion of the market.

• Avoid Text on Images for Easier Localization

Avoid adding text to images if you plan to localize content for multiple communities. This is because it can take more time to extract and translate embedded text. Try to choose images that will be more versatile. Avoid images that are not recognizable by a broader audience.

Creating content that caters to the needs, cultures, and preferences of your audience will help you be successful. Along with localization, you should also prioritize understanding accessibility in eLearning and why you need it.