eLearning and Training: The Basics of Translation & Localization

by Jen Weaver

For many training professionals, the translation of support materials is a fairly new task. If you're unfamiliar with it, translation can emerge as a large and daunting task. But it doesn't have to be! Understanding some common translation terminology and defining the basic scope for your project will equip you for success.

First, let's break down the terms relative to translation:

Translation: The rendering of written communication from one language into another.

Localization: The process of adapting a product (in the context of translation, usually software) to a specific locale, i.e., to the language, cultural norms, standards, laws and requirements of the target market. Includes, but is not limited to, translation of the screen texts and help files.

Source language: Language used in the original text file.

Target language: Language into which text is to be translated.

Source file: The original living document that is going to be translated. This is not a PDF of the file, but the actual file itself (i.e. Captivate, Storyline, Camtasia, Word, PowerPoint, XML, HTML, FrameMaker, InDesign, QuarkXPress, etc.) including any appropriate links, fonts and graphics.

There are several key facets included in the scope of any successful translation or localization project. It's ok if you don't know exactly what you want upfront… your language vendor can help you identify exactly what is needed for your project. Here are some general guidelines to help you identify the project scope:

• What flavor of the target language is needed? For example there can be translation in Spanish for Spain, Spanish for Mexico, Spanish for Latin America or a more Universal Spanish.
• Who is the target audience? This includes any specific requirements for tone or literacy level as well as an awareness of the audience demographics.
• Is the source file available? It is ideal to translate from the source file rather than a PDF or uneditable version. If the source file is not available, or no longer exists, vendors can work around this but it will likely result in additional time and cost for completion.
• Are translators to adhere to the grammar and punctuation rules of the target language, or to keep the translation consistent with English rules? For example five thousand is written as 5,000 in the USA but 5.000 in most other countries.
• What is your deadline? An average project is completed at a rate of 2,500 words per day, with a few additional days for formatting and final QA. If you need your project expedited it is helpful to identify this timeline upfront.

When broken down into its parts, translation can be a straightforward task completed with great ease and result in high levels of success for your target markets. Happy translating!

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