In 1997, sociologist Roland Robertson introduced the term glocalization at a conference. He described it as the phenomenon of simultaneously maintaining the co-presence of both “universalizing and particularizing tendencies.”

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, many speculated that globalization was ending, with trade, capital, and people flows dropping sharply, prompting businesses to rethink strategies and seek the best localization services to stay connected with diverse markets.

Expanding businesses across borders has become a key driver of success in an increasingly interconnected world. Establishing your business’s global presence and unlocking the untapped revenue streams of international markets is paramount. All of it begins with a crucial decision: localizing your content.

With the acceleration of remote culture in 2020, global workforces are expanding even further. Hence, Robertson’s prediction of the need for glocalization is even more relevant, especially in the context of corporate training.

Instead of delivering one-size-fits-all training programs, companies need to localize their global training efforts by making them inclusive but, more importantly, effective. Today, the localization software market, valued at $4.51 billion in 2021, is projected to grow to $ 6.64 billion by 2030. Hence, localization is fast becoming a best practice in the business world.

In this blog, we deconstruct what exactly corporate training localization is, its benefits, and how companies can leverage technology to help scale their efforts.

Table of Contents:

What is eLearning Content Localization?

When you use eLearning content localization services, you do more than translate a language. After understanding the target audience in-depth, localization involves adapting the primary content in the preferred language(s) with cultural context, formatting guidelines, local norms, regulatory requirements, etc.

According to the World Economic Forum, 1.1 billion jobs will likely undergo tech-related transformation in the coming decade. However, only 0.5% of the Global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be invested in learning for adults.

You can localize different types of eLearning content, like:

  • Videos
  • Presentations
  • Graphs and infographics
  • Graphics and images
  • Audio
  • FAQs
  • Course reviews and testimonials
  • Case studies, etc.

Apart from the content, the use of colors, phrases, slang, language direction, units of measurement, spellings, accents, music, etc., is also localized.

What is Cultural Adaptation?

Cultural adaptation or cross-cultural communication is the process of tailoring workforce training and development to suit the unique cultural contexts and preferences of diverse audiences. This involves understanding and addressing a particular group or community’s cultural nuances, customs, values, and preferences.

Cultural adaptation in workforce learning focuses on customizing training content, materials, and methodologies to bridge cultural gaps, promote understanding, and enhance engagement and knowledge retention among diverse groups and communities.

Why Does Cultural Adaptation Matter in L&D?

Cultural adaptation matters in L&D for several reasons:

1. Helps Overcome Language Barriers

Cultural adaptation addresses the challenge of language barriers by ensuring that learning content is translated accurately and effectively. This is essential even if your programs are in English, since the proficiency of different regions in the language might change, requiring L&D programs to be in an easy-to-understand language.

2. Respects Cultural Norms and Values

Different cultures have distinct norms, values, and communication styles. Cultural adaptation allows organizations to align learning content with these cultural nuances, promoting respect and inclusivity.

It helps avoid potential misunderstandings in learning content due to cultural norms. For example, the thumbs-up sign denotes well done or agreement in the Western world but can be considered an insult in the Middle East.

3. Enhances Relevance and Applicability

Incorporating local examples, case studies, and references makes the content more relatable and applicable to learners’ daily work experiences.

Why Should You Translate and Localize Workforce Learning Content?

As multicultural, multilingual, and global workforces become more prevalent, companies are keen to find ways to adapt their workforce learning content to different cultures and localities. eLearning content localization adapts a training course to suit local needs and cultural sensitivities.

While translation involves converting the learning content from one language to another, localization adapts the content to suit a specific region’s cultural and linguistic context. Language and cultural factors are important in how learners perceive and comprehend training content.

When content is localized to suit the learner’s culture, they can better connect with the material, absorb it, and retain knowledge. If training content is not adapted to a particular culture or does not speak to the local context, learners may find it jarring or difficult to relate to.

Learners are also better able to learn when the training content is familiar to them or presented in a context that they are accustomed to. For instance, in Asian countries, learners may be accustomed to a more formal tone of instruction, while in Western countries, a more friendly tone may be appropriate.

Translating and localizing workforce learning content conveys to employees that your workplace is inclusive and takes all its different employees into account in enterprise learning. It helps employees feel valued and also helps them feel more engaged and involved in the training and learning process.

Lastly, learning in one’s native language improves an employee’s ability to comprehend the material and retain skills and knowledge.

Top 6 Common eLearning Localization Challenges

eLearning localization providers face a few common challenges regarding the effective localization of online content.

1. Lack of Knowledge About the Target Audience

Localization of content is more than simply translating words, and thus, certain cultural norms that may impact localization may be overlooked.

That is why working only with the best localization services is so important to ensure effective eLearning localization.

2. Lack of Familiarity with the Subject Matter

Localization service providers may face issues translating different content niches from English to other languages, as adapting online material into other languages is difficult.

Understanding different concepts from the perspective of different cultures is the basis of effective eLearning localization. This problem may be more pronounced if a company employs freelance translators.

3. Adapting Graphics to Different Audiences

eLearning localization providers often face a major challenge: adapting graphics to different target audiences. Different cultures may decipher certain images differently, so it is important to remember cultural norms when localizing graphics and images in eLearning content.

Different cultures also assign different symbolic significances to different colors. These cultural differences should be considered when localizing content.

4. Adapting Idioms and Phrases

Idioms and phrases are often figurative and not meant to be understood in a literal sense. They have a symbolic, non-literal meaning attached to them.

The literal translation of idioms from one language to another can distort their symbolic relevance to the context. eLearning localization services providers must be aware of the source language idioms and phrases and the probable equivalents in the target language.

5. Finding the Right Tonality

Conveying the right tone in eLearning localization is a serious issue that requires attention. Writing in a conversational style is easy in languages such as English.

However, this might not be possible in many other languages like Arabic or German. The tonality aspect needs to be considered while localizing online courses from English to other languages.

6. Formatting Currencies and Symbols

Not all course materials are entirely composed of words. In addition to the words, symbols for currencies, date formats, and graphic content also need to be localized.

Different cultures interpret symbols differently and may use different formats for dates and times. Only the best eLearning localization providers can effectively format symbols and currencies from one language to another.

How to Overcome eLearning Localization Challenges?

While it is true that eLearning localization comes with several practical challenges, there are a few steps every organization and educational institution can take to overcome these issues efficiently. One can start planning their eLearning localization strategy early in online course development to make localizing the content easier.

Planning will help organizations minimize the impact of challenges and prepare to face them as and when they arise during the localization process. Proper planning can even eliminate a few challenges, such as ambiguity in the usage of idioms and symbols.

Course developers can leave extra space within original designs to allow for text expansion when the original content is in English. Creating pre-optimized content for eLearning localization makes the actual localization process easier later on.

While developing online course content, educational institutions can choose to work with localization services companies to ensure that their courses are pre-optimized. Agencies with expertise in eLearning localization can support organizations through the entire process of creating online training and educational modules.

Understanding and overcoming eLearning localization challenges for multicultural audiences is crucial for any company that wishes to localize its learning modules for diverse groups of learners.

Top Benefits of Corporate Training Localization

Here is a snapshot of key advantages delivered through the localization of corporate learning solutions:

1. Inclusive Training Approach

The first benefit of corporate training localization is that it makes training more inclusive. Training is delivered in the language that employees are comfortable with. For instance, live session instructors will be savvy with the local language, and on-demand resources will be available in multiple languages.

However, localization goes much beyond removing language barriers. The entire training approach will be adapted to weave in cultural nuances and regional differences, thus building a safe space for sustained employee learning and engagement.

2. Improved Knowledge Retention

With the introduction of corporate training localization, employees are much more likely to retain knowledge and information. For instance, if the entire learning process is gamified and local cultural references are introduced into this journey, it can motivate employees to learn faster and more efficiently.

They will be positioned to be more engaged in the learning process. Learning stops being a one-way street. It becomes an interactive process that nurtures knowledge retention, paving the way for skill-building.

3. Enhanced Work Productivity

Companies are continuously striving to raise work productivity. A lack of skills demotivates employees and drives down productivity. On the other hand, employees engaged in continuous learning can face new market challenges and excel in their job roles.

Corporate training localization further enhances the learning curve of diverse employees. They become better problem solvers and leaders in their domain, contributing to the overall enhancement of work productivity.

4. Higher Employee Retention

Low productivity contributes to the trend of quiet quitting and employees moving on to other companies. The inability to perform one’s job role results in demotivation.

A lack of localization of digital learning solutions hinders employee growth. Employees are likely to prioritize a company that empowers them to grow through access to relevant, contextual training.

5. Lower Time to Proficiency

As companies expand to new locations, they may need to hire entire workforces from scratch. Corporate training localization can drastically reduce the time to proficiency for new hires.

This metric determines how long it takes for a new hire to become productive in the workplace. A shorter time to proficiency lowers the hiring cost and drives profitability.

6. Building a Diverse, Engaged Workforce

Increasing diversity plays an important role in business today. Localizing corporate training enables businesses to hire a diverse workforce.

Employees can optimize their knowledge and performance through inclusive training rather than forcing a diverse set of people to adhere to one avatar of training.

Such a practice helps them learn faster and nudges them to be more engaged in the long-term business narrative. Corporate training localization seeds a foundation upon which future leaders from diverse geographies can be nurtured.

Best Practices for Scaling L&D with Translation and Localization Services

Localization and translation must be approached strategically if Learning & Development programs are to be scaled internationally.

To guarantee successful implementation, consider the following translation and localization best practices in L&D:

1. Begin with a Thorough Needs Analysis

Do a thorough needs assessment to determine your varied learner base’s precise linguistic and cultural requirements before beginning translation and localization. This will make it easier to decide which resources to translate first and guarantee that the intended audience receives important training materials correctly.

2. Make Use of Expert Localization Services

Hire qualified localization and translation specialists aware of the subtle differences in language and culture. By doing this, you can be confident that your material is appropriately translated and culturally relevant. Therefore, you can prevent misunderstandings that may result from literal translations.

3. Include Subject Matter Experts from the Area

Engage subject matter experts from the area in the localization services procedure. Their knowledge can be used to modify training materials to be more relevant and effective by considering local customs, laws, and cultural norms.

4. Use a Content Management System that Is Centralized

Use a centralized content management system for easy updates and support for multiple languages. This will speed up the translation process and ensure that every employee can access the most recent training materials, no matter where they are.

5. Test and Validate Localized Content

Perform pilot tests with a sample of the intended audience before launching localized training programs. To figure out any places that would require additional customization, seek feedback. Making sure that the content fits the learning objectives and resonates well can be done by this testing process.

6. Offer Constant Assistance and Materials

Provide resources and ongoing help to students in various areas. This includes setting up forums for feedback and cooperation among employees from various backgrounds and giving access to localized language assistance and aid materials.

7. Monitor and Measure Effectiveness

Establish metrics to assess the effectiveness of your translated and localized training programs. Use learner feedback, engagement levels, and performance metrics to refine and improve your L&D initiatives continuously.

How to Measure the Effectiveness of Translated and Localized Learning Content?

There are several ways to measure the effectiveness of translated and localized learning content. It can be measured in terms of learner response to the material, learning process, learner performance in assessments, results in terms of applied knowledge in work, and learner satisfaction.

Here are some of the best ways to measure the effectiveness of translated and localized content for workforce learning and development.

1. Learning Process

The idea behind translating and localizing content is to make learning easier and more efficient.

You can utilize analytics tools of the Learning Management System (LMS) to check the time taken by learners in different regions to finish their training or to complete a particular module.

2. Learner Response

This level of measurement assesses learners’ responses to the training and their engagement with different parts of it.

Feedback forms and surveys are great ways to learn how learners respond to the content and get specific information about how they experienced particular aspects of training.

3. Assessments

Assessments help you measure how much participants are learning in the training. Measuring and analyzing data from assessments is one of the L&D best practices for businesses.

Assessment performance is a great way to gauge the knowledge acquired and retained by learners. While pre- and post-training assessments are an effective way to measure this, it can also be measured by assessments during the course.

Learning analytics can be used to analyze assessments, quiz scores, and the time taken to complete them to help you understand the effectiveness of knowledge retention. If employees can retain what they learned and complete assessments on time, it indicates that the training program is effective.

Certain analytic tools can also show area-specific data, indicating how employees are doing with different parts of the course and which areas they are finding more challenging.

4. Application of Knowledge and Skills

The main objective of localized and translated workforce learning content is to enable employees to more effectively transfer knowledge into skills. Employees’ ability to transfer knowledge into performance is a key indicator of the course’s effectiveness.

This could include hands-on skills, digital simulations, game-based activities, and other digital learning solutions. Online simulations provide life-like situations for employees to apply their knowledge and practice the skills they have learned.

This is a great way to collect data about the course’s effectiveness. Along with learner analytics, it can help you assess areas where there are gaps in knowledge transfer.

5. Work Performance Metrics

One of the main goals of translated and localized workforce training is to improve work performance. This is done through factors such as more efficient and improved quality of service, better productivity, and increased sales.

A change in these key performance metrics after the course can help you assess if the training has impacted employee work performance.

Analytics tools can help determine the effect of training across different teams or departments, allowing us to better understand which areas of the course are more effective and which are less effective.

Monitoring employees during work or comparing key performance metrics before and after the course are good ways to measure the effectiveness of the training.

Key Considerations While Choosing Localization and Translation Technology

Let’ see the key considerations while choosing the right technology, with which a world of efficient localization is within your reach:

1. Accuracy

Translations riddled with inaccuracies and errors can negatively impact localization efforts. The importance of investing in localization technology equipped with robust quality assurance and proofreading tools cannot be understated. The chosen translation technology should be capable of delivering precise and contextually appropriate translations to ensure a higher level of precision in your localized content.

Machine Translation (MT) has advanced significantly since its early, frequently incorrect versions. Neural machine translation (NMT) systems offer fluent and contextually correct translations, transforming the field. NMT leverages neural networks and artificial intelligence algorithms to learn from massive volumes of data, enhancing the quality of translation.

This technology is perfect for swiftly and efficiently managing enormous amounts of content. Despite its progress, NMT can have trouble understanding intricate linguistic nuances and business-specific jargon. Further, human input through post-editing or a hybrid method can improve accuracy, especially for specific information.

2. Flexibility and Customization

With every business having its unique content requirements, choosing localization tools that can adapt to suit your specific needs is paramount. The translation tasks are abundant and diverse when crafting content for a global brand. The elements involving translation are innumerable, from websites and mobile apps to web applications, documents, and social media posts.

To effectively manage this multilingual endeavor, your Translation Management System (TMS) should be versatile enough to navigate the diverse linguistic landscape of translation projects and support a wide range of file formats across different platforms and media.

The ability to include glossaries and style guides greatly enhances consistency, enabling multinational brands to establish a unified style across all languages, going beyond just English. Look for platforms offering flexibility in integrating with existing content management systems (CMS) or localization workflows.

3. Scalability

As your business expands and ventures into new markets, the translation technology of choice should be able to scale accordingly. Ensure that the platform can manage large volumes of content to efficiently satisfy the needs of its clientele and deliver ongoing service reliably without compromising translation quality.

Consider features like automatic intelligent workflow management, batch processing, and collaboration tools to streamline the localization process and accelerate turnaround times.

4. Language Support

Determine the target languages you require for localization before investing in translation software to ensure both are compatible. While some translation technologies support diverse languages, others might have restrictions.

If your target markets include languages with complex grammar structures or scripts, such as Chinese or Arabic, ensure that the chosen technology can handle them effectively. Catering to varied markets and global audiences bridges the linguistic and cultural gaps, laying the foundation for success.

Additionally, monitor the availability of language pairs for translation, as this can vary among different tools.

5. Integration and Automation

Translating content between languages is a challenging task, made even more complex when dealing with regularly updated source material like websites. Maintaining up-to-date and accurate translations becomes virtually impossible without the proper tools.

Automation is the cornerstone of translation workflow optimization. Automation features such as content extraction, automatic file transfer, and project management are pivotal in reducing manual effort and enhancing overall efficiency.

Harnessing API integration can streamline your software localization efforts. Opt for translation technologies offering APIs or connectors to integrate with your CMS, e-commerce platforms, or customer support systems to enable the automatic delivery of completed translations, eliminating manual intervention and expediting the localization workflow.

6. Quality Assurance and Feedback Loop

Failure to align your technological infrastructure with the evolving needs of the translation services landscape is equivalent to inviting your downfall. Most businesses that made translation investments experienced a boost in their profits, based on a survey conducted among Fortune 500 companies. Embracing the latest advancements in translation technology is essential for staying ahead of the curve and thriving in this dynamic landscape.

Localization is an iterative process wherein a robust translation technology should extend mechanisms for quality assurance and feedback. Fine-tuning translations and ensuring consistent linguistic quality are made possible by functionalities like in-context review, collaborative annotation, and linguistic validation.

Go for platforms facilitating seamless communication with translators, providing a feedback loop that promotes continuous improvement. Translation solutions integrated with comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities facilitate the assessment of localized content’s effectiveness and enable informed decision-making.

10 Best Localization Services Companies for Seamless Global Expansion

Here are the top 10 best localization services companies you can look at:

1. Hurix Digital

Suppose you are looking for a leading digital content solutions provider that offers end-to-end localization services for eLearning, publishing, corporate training, and media industries.

In that case, Hurix Digital is the one for you. With advanced tools and technologies like AI, ML, NLP, and cloud computing, we can localize your content into any language and dialect.

Whether it is text, audio, video, graphics, or any other type of content, Hurix Digital can handle it. Additionally, we offer a variety of online learning options to assist you in training your staff, onboarding new employees, and complying with regulations.

2. TransPerfect

TransPerfect is one of the world’s most popular translation and localization services. This company has over 25 years of experience and completes an average of 300,000 projects per year. It has a network of over 86 locations worldwide and more than 5,000 translators.

This company serves eleven major sectors, including legal, government, finance, life sciences, industrial, and more. It supports 170 languages. TransPerfect uses a cutting-edge cloud-based translation management system with machine translation and translation management technology.

3. Lionbridge

Lionbridge is a leading company in the language services and technology industry. Founded in 1996, it supports more than 350 languages. It is an ISO-certified company that provides various services such as translation, localization, global content management, and more.

To date, the company has completed more than 4,000 projects in 250 different countries. It serves automotive, technology, gaming, manufacturing, banking and finance, life sciences, and more industries.

4. SDL

SDL is a top-notch provider of content management solutions and language services.

Since 1992, it has been using a leading translation management system with computer-assisted tools (CAT) that enable language service providers to deliver fast and quality translation and localization services.

It supports 100 significant languages. Its system also has linguistic technology, automated processes, and customization workflows for each project.

5. LanguageLine Solutions

LanguageLine Solutions, with a workforce of over 2000, has been fostering strong relationships and communication for over 34 years by offering language access programs.

These programs assist organizations in serving their Limited English Proficient (LEP) and Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. The company is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring complete client satisfaction and localization services.

LanguageLine Solutions provides interpreter testing and training solutions and interpreting and translation services, which are increasingly crucial in today’s diverse, multicultural environment.

Their comprehensive suite of solutions aims to enhance localization and understanding at every interaction point with customers, patients, clients, or constituents within the client’s organization.

6. Straker Translation

Straker Translation is a trustworthy company with 20 years of experience in the translation industry. It has provided language solutions for 50,000 global customers and businesses.

This company has established guaranteed standards with 13,000 human translators, cloud-based translation management, and a self-styled glossary. It supports 80 languages and serves eight major industries, including eCommerce, games, and website localization services.

7. RWS

RWS is a global leader in localization and online translation services, as well as life sciences language services and intellectual property support solutions.

For 60 years, the company has delivered high-quality, reliable, and flexible services with its global team of experts. Its specialist divisions use the latest technology, proven processes, and highly skilled staff to provide complex services at each product lifecycle stage.

RWS serves a global, blue-chip client base across various technology, pharmaceutical, medical, chemical, automotive, and telecommunications sectors. It follows ISO standards and is trusted by world-leading companies.

The company has over 3,000 employees and 35 offices worldwide. Its headquarters are in the UK and publicly listed on AIM.

8. Argos Multilingual

Argos Multilingual is a world-leading language service provider that offers various translation services, such as financial, technical, and legal translations.

They use Translation Management Systems and collaborate with experts to ensure quality translations. Their language services are affordable, and they provide excellent customer service and dedicated project managers.

Argos Multilingual also offers low-cost interpreting and document translation services. Its linguistic team consists of subject-specific linguists who can work with different languages.

They use translation memory, Machine Translation, and Translation Management Systems to deliver a high-quality service. Argos Multilingual has acquired some notable companies in recent years, such as SH3, Enlaso, Venga Global, and Chillistore.

9. Welocalize

Welocalize is one of the world’s biggest language service providers. Their services include translation, proofreading, editing, and multimedia services.

They also provide interpreting services and multilingual digital marketing. Their team of linguists has extensive professional experience and is skilled in translating technical documents.

The company has been in business for over 20 years and has over 5,000 employees in ninety countries. It also uses machine translation for large-volume projects.

Welocalize offers complete language solutions for corporate clients and acts as a global transformation partner.

10. Keywords Studios

Keywords Studios is a global translation company that offers high-quality translation services for businesses of all sizes. Since 1998, Keywords Studios has become a leading localization provider, with over 1,000 professional translators.

Keywords Studios can provide website and software localization services, app localization, and more. It also offers content creation, voice-over, and subtitling services, providing businesses with a complete localization solution.

Keywords Studios has MT Language Specialists (MTLs) in its translation team. They support MT engines in the localization process. They use the KantanMT platform, which has Statistical MT and Neural MT, which has a Language Quality Review and ongoing support. They specialize in gaming and game localization.

In Conclusion

Corporate training localization is a key part of modern organizations. The process lets businesses become acquainted with the local culture, find local talent, and expand their customer base.

While it is highly beneficial, it can pose challenges if you do not have the right approach. That is why choosing the right translation technology is crucial for efficient localization. It can help you find the right tone, contextualize material, and streamline the overall training program.

The ideal way to integrate localization into your corporate training is by partnering with an experienced workforce learning platform. Hurix Digital can equip you with the tools to deliver top-quality localization training. With Hurix, you will get the right solution tailored to your needs.

Want to get started? Contact us today to boost your corporate training localization efforts.