Localization & eLearning: The Translation Process

by Jen Weaver

You are ready to move forward with your translation project, but despite your preparation you still feel a bit in the dark about what steps will be involved in creating your translation. The 'unknowns' can make you feel a bit fearful about moving forward. So let's bring some light to the situation, and uncover those foggy areas of the translation process. We have broken out the steps to a typical e-learning project below to help you better understand what will occur with your project.

Project Scope: Translation of an e-learning module from US English into Chinese

Evaluation

1. Analysis of material from the technical and cultural viewpoint to determine objectives, target audience and culture-specific content.
2. Evaluation of source material, layout, as well as the quantity and type of graphics used.
3. Project assessment to determine frequently used vocabulary, register, file format, etc.
4. Selection of team components, tools and software to be used.
5. Overall project assessment including identification of Professional Voice Talents comparable to project goals.
6. Research and provision of Voice Talent demo recordings from voice bank.
7. Casting of Voice Talents based on client approval.

Preparation

1. Extracting of the text from its original file format in (InDesign, PPT, etc). This includes preparation of graphics, graphs, and charts.
2. Transcribing (if it is not already done) the audio script for recording to include time stamp.

Translation, Editing, & Proofreading

1. Translation of the text from the source file.
2. Editing and Proofreading by professional target language (native speaker) editors.

Client Review

1. Delivery of proofs to Client for internal review.
2. Review and one round of input of client changes.

Voice Over Recording

1. Approved voice talent will record in a studio and will be directed by a studio director who is also a native in the language.
2. Use of fully digital, industrial strength Pro Tools recording system.
3. SP capabilities, time coded DAT, Neumann microphones, Industrial Acoustics sound booth.

Audio Client Review

Implementation of one round of client changes pre-delivery of completed files (edits can be pronunciation preference, slower speed, faster speed, error in script, etc).

Voice Over Recording of requested changes

Requested changes will be implemented and finalized, following the same process as Voice Over Recording.

Localization Engineering/Desktop publishing

1. Localization engineers/desktop publishers will ensure all components of the project have been fully localized.
2. All graphics/visuals will be formatted into the target language.
3. Localization engineers will sync audio files to the animations, ensuring all files are running properly.
4. Language tester will do a final QA of the end product, checking that all audio clips are clear and running to match the animation on screen.

Delivery

Delivery of final file (Java, XML, HTML, other formats), tested to ensure all localized components are in working order (audio is synced with animation, etc).

Reliable translation providers will use a translation process that adheres to basic industry quality best practices. Don't be afraid to ask your vendor about their internal translation and quality management processes. A reputable vendor will be proud to share this information with you.

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If you would like to learn best practices for managing translation projects, contact Jen at Carmazzi Global Solutions.

Comments

[DAC]

(Sorry this is obviously the wrong blog to ask the question on, but not sure where to go.)

Hello, I need help figuring out why my quiz (captivate 4) advances through the first slide without giving the person time to answer the question and then hangs. Sometimes. On IE it works fine every time. On Firefox (and Chrome), that's where I experience this problem. The first time I click the link to load the quiz it does this. The SECOND time, it works fine. I've spent two days trying to find an answer, and can't find any threads that directly relate to my issue. I suspect it might have something to do with the preloader (which I have set to do 100% preloading), but I don't really know.

Question Properties:
graded
allows user one chance
using hotspots

Question SLIDE properties:
display time 5 sec
no transition
on slide enter continue

publish settings:
flash player 9
Actionscript AS3
elearning output email

I have flash player 10 on my computer. Firefox 22.0. IE 10.0.9200... Chrome 28.0.1500.71

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can provide...

[Kevin Siegel]

The Preloader should never be set to 100%... 50% would be better. As for the performance issue, this could be a problem with using an older version of Captivate (you say you are using version 4).

I would suggest downloading the trial version of Cp6 from the Adobe site and opening your Cp4 project in that version (you cannot use Cp7 because it will not open a Cp4 project... Cp6 will). You can still get a trial of Cp6 if you download the eLearning Suite.

Once you've upgraded your project, publish the lesson and post it to your server. See if the problem persists.