Localization FAQ

What Is Localization?

Localization is the process by which language experts adapt content in one language to another language and culture. This process includes adapting text, video, and images for use by a different regional audience.

How Is Localization Different from Translation?

The localization process includes translation services, but it’s much more than just a word-for-word translation. While translation is only concerned with the language of the content, localization accounts for the cultural preferences of a target audience, as well as their dialect, geographic location, and values.

What Types of Localization Services Do You Offer?

Localization principles can be applied to nearly any form of media. Our linguists are tasked with ensuring all kinds of learning and marketing materials are optimized for a global audience. When you work with Global eLearning, you’ll have access to all the following services:

• eLearning localization
• Software localization
• Video localization
• Website localization
• Multimedia localization

What Is Globalization?

Globalization is the process of adapting content to fit a global audience. The resulting learning or marketing materials should be appliable to people of all cultural backgrounds and geographic locations.

How Are Localization and Globalization Different?

It’s easy to get localization and globalization confused. However, there is a fundamental difference between the two processes. Localization adapts text and media to a particular language, culture, and region. On the other hand, globalization is meant to create content usable across the world and across cultures. In short, localization is for a specific audience, while globalization is for a wide audience.

What Is the Localization Process?

Localization is an extensive process. Our linguists and tech professionals make every effort to ensure that your final product is ready for immediate use. However, the localization process is full of nuance and often takes some time to complete to high standards. When you come to us for any kind of localization, you can expect the following process:

• Content Review: First, we’ll review the content you currently have. Our team will pay particular attention to any areas that may need adapting to a new culture. We’ll also use this time to understand the goal of this content.
• Translation: Next, we begin translating the existing content. We employ thousands of linguists and learning specialists who specialize in over 200 languages and dialects.
• Optimization: Text isn’t the only thing we’ll adapt during the localization process. We also optimate metatags, videos, images, and even colors for a target audience.
• Final Evaluation: Once we’re finished and you have a new set of localized materials, our team will do one last check. We want to make sure our results are up to par.

What Are the Challenges of Localization?

Localization is nuanced and complicated, and that often comes with an array of problems. But never fear—our team of experts has plenty of experience in handling these issues. Some common localization challenges we run into include:

• Cultural Specifics: A quick Google search will tell you the basics of nearly any culture, but what about those small cultural nuances? Seasoned localization professionals know to look for even the tiniest cultural norms, all the way down to the color of the webpage.
• Faulty Translation: Some small translation errors are funny and all in good faith. But too often, translation errors can cause a significant misunderstanding. Fortunately, the Global eLearning team is made up of experienced translators dedicated to accuracy.
• Blind Spots: Trying to complete a localization project yourself with a disjointed team will always lead to blind spots. Maybe your translator doesn’t know industry-specific terms, or perhaps you overlook an important cultural symbol. The best way to avoid blind spots is to employ the team at Global eLearning—our numerous professionals will make sure all the bases are covered.

Why Is Localization Necessary?

So, why is localization so important? Localization comes with countless benefits. First and foremost, localization is an excellent way to grow your customer base. After all, a potential Japanese customer is much more likely to purchase your product if materials are available in the Japanese language. Plus, your customers are more likely to be satisfied with their purchasing experience. And as we all know, a happy customer base is key to a successful business. Localization is also good for the internal growth of your business, as you can train employees across the globe in their own language with respect to their culture. If you’re on the fence about localization, just think of all these incredible benefits!

Reach Out to Our Team for More Information

Are you ready to expand your organization on a global scale? The team at Global eLearning is happy to help you take the first steps toward adapting your materials to other countries’ standards and customs. We can take care of translating texts, modifying images and graphics, adding subtitles to video, and much more. Contact our linguistic, cultural, and technical experts today to learn more about what localization can do for you.