How to Create eLearning Courses for a Multilingual Audience

To articulate a multilingual eLearning course successfully, it is necessary to think about how every aspect of the course will translate and be understood by your target audience. The following tips will enable a smooth transition when translating eLearning courses into various languages.

LANGUAGE

Language is obviously the most important factor in multilingual courses, and a simple translation is not as easy as it first appears; for instance, the same languages may have significant differences in expressions, pronunciation, and even basic vocabulary differences depending of the country.

To overcome this problem, the eLearning developer should choose either a dialect understood by the majority of the target audience or use a neutral version of the language as is the recommended case for most Spanish translations since there are so many different Spanish speaking countries. In some cases, it may be necessary to release content in two versions of the same language, such as Portuguese for Portugal and Portuguese for Brazil even though the differences may be very subtle.

CULTURE

There are huge differences in symbolism and taboos over different cultures — even a simple thing like the connotations surrounding a certain color may change from country to country. To avoid misunderstandings, the eLearning developer should avoid examples and pictures that obviously relate to a particular country and keep symbolism to a minimum.

Another cultural consideration is learning style. There are two opposing instructional approaches: deductive and inductive. In deductive learning, the instructor introduces and explains the concepts, and students then complete tasks to practice. Inductive learning, on the other hand, is a student-centered approach that uses the technique of “noticing,” where learners receive examples showing them how a concept is used. Depending on their culture, learners will be more comfortable with one or the other.

LAYOUT

Some languages use more words than others to express the same idea, a factor that is important to bear in mind when planning the layout for text. A Spanish translation of eLearning content, for example, is likely to have around 20% more words than the original English.

Above all, it is important to test the final eLearning course in Spanish and other languages to a sample group before releasing it to the target audience. The feedback gained from a number of learners in different countries is essential for gauging the course’s potential for success.

Difficulties Faced in Legal Document Translation

THE PROBLEM WITH LOSS OF MEANING

One of the most pernicious problems in translation is how translating text from one language into another language can lead to a loss of meaning. In some cases, this is because a literal translation many times omits the nuance, while in other cases, the translation has not been “localized” for the correct market, meaning, it has not taken into account the target audience, it’s more generic. Regardless of its ultimate cause, loss of meaning is a problem that promises to persist so long as text continues to be in need of translation.

HOW THE PROBLEM ESCALATES WITH THE TRANSLATION OF LEGAL DOCUMENTS

Loss of meaning becomes even more serious with business document translation involving passages of a legal nature. In part, this is because even small changes in the meaning of business document translation can exert significant influence over the users’ decision-making. However, part of the problem also lies in the fact that there is so much more room for error.

It is important to note that comprehension of legal jargon in even one legal system is not a common skill. For a translator to be able to produce accurate translations, said individual must be able to comprehend the legal system behind the text and then somehow reproduce the meaning using terms belonging to the legal system with which the user is familiar. Failure on one end can cause serious problems involving significant sums, not to mention the fact that business document translation involving legal matters often carries time constraints.

HOW TO COMBAT THE PROBLEM

In the end, there is no simple solution to the loss of meaning that comes with translation in general, in particular legal texts. Skill and experience are very important to avoid these pitfalls, but translation of legal matters is one of the most demanding tasks in regards to both.

Mistranslations Around the World

One of the fun things about working in the translation business is you get to know what other industries are up to (since you translate into Spanish their legal documents for instance), but you also get to see lots of funny mistranslations. If you travel a lot you have probably seen some yourself. There are plenty out there so I’m going to start to share a few on a regular basis, here are this week’s funnies:

In a Nairobi restaurant: CUSTOMERS WHO FIND OUR WAITRESSES RUDE, OUGHT TO SEE THE MANAGER.

On the main road to Mombasa, leaving Nairobi: TAKE NOTICE: WHEN THIS SIGN IS UNDER WATER, THIS ROAD IS IMPASSABLE.

On a poster at Kencom: ARE YOU AN ADULT THAT CANNOT READ? IF SO WE CAN HELP.

Tips to Finding a Legitimate Translation Agency

Any company that works with other cultures and languages has a lot at stake, particularly when it comes to business documents. Between a difference in the actual languages spoken and written, and the cultural innuendos that can come from various parts of the world, it is vital that a company working internationally, in whatever form that may take, find a business translation service that is professional and delivers high-quality work.

Here are some tips that can help lead you to a legitimate translation agency:

• The Basics. With bottom lines on the top of most company’s minds, most businesses are looking for a business translation service that is professional, experienced, quality-driven, and affordable. The difficult part is finding all of these characteristics without swapping one for the other. That said, listing these items in the order of most important can help a company come to the appropriate compromise if that becomes necessary.

• The Reputation. Any company is just as good as its reputation. A business that’s seeking translation services is looking for a reputable business translation service, just as that business should be seeking ways to continually improve its own reputation. What are people saying about the company? Does the translation agency’s website list client testimonials? Has it been around for more than five years? Are you able to talk to a real live person on the phone, the person who will be managing your translations?

• The Employees. Hiring a third party company is nearly the same as hiring an employee. There should be an interview process. There should be references provided and checked. There should be a history of outstanding performance that puts that company above the rest. A translation company should be willing to explain the credentials of each of the people that will be working on a company’s translations. They should be willing to disclose positives and negatives and allow a potential client to explore what they’re doing everyday to grow and improve.

• The Quality Control. Everybody makes mistakes, and a good company knows that and takes measures to prevent any errors that could come from those mistakes. Multiple reviews are essential, and they help innocent (and not so innocent) mistakes get caught and corrected before a business that’s relying on those translations makes potentially costly mistake. It’s essential to know about quality control procedures.

• Integrity. Does the agency admit to making mistakes? Does it take responsibility for them? Do they deliver what they promise? Do they keep you in the loop?

If you have questions about how you can find a great business translation service, contact our team at eLanguages, Inc., and we’ll help you find the answers you need!

Case Study: The Importance of High Quality Translations in the Corporate World

Last week, we visited several reasons why high quality translations are a must, especially in the corporate world. Finding a legitimate translator or translation service ensures that the right message is delivered across languages, ultimately protecting the integrity of your business. This week, let’s take a look at a specific case study that exemplifies this idea.

NELSON MANDELA FUNERAL SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER CONTROVERSY

You may recall hearing about scandal surrounding the sign language interpreter at Nelson Mandela’s funeral, who is now dubbed a phony by South Africa’s hearing impaired community, who said his signing for US President Barack Obama and other world leaders amounted to little more than “flapping his arms around” (Source- Agence France-Presse).

The following video further explains this controversy, and how serious an issue it actually is. Don’t let this happen to you or your business! We are here to help you make the right decision when choosing an interpreter or translator.

The Importance of High Quality Translations in the Corporate World

As businesses continue to become more global, it’s important for these businesses to be able to rely on competent translation services to send the right message to their customers. The problem with some translation services is that if they are not experienced or professional, they can mistranslate words or simply not employ skilled enough translators to communicate effectively in different languages and/or not use a second separate editor to edit the original translator’s work. Since the worldwide business community is getting more competitive, it’s best to hire a quality translation service with a proven track record, always ask for testimonials and check an agency’s current client base.

Language Experts

Working with experts who are very familiar with the languages you need is helpful because they understand the nuances that occur due to cultural differences in perceptions. The most valuable translators are well educated professionals who have studied communication and/or translation specifically and have expertise in semantics, grammar and localization. So in order to assure high level credibility, global businesses should work with not just people familiar with language translation, but professionals who are skilled in the art and science of communication in a broader sense.

Bad Translations

It’s very important for businesses to avoid bad translations, which can destroy relationships as well as opportunities. A novice translator might not know all the different nuances of a language and can send the wrong message due to his/her lack of knowledge. Understanding a language involves more than just translating words and constructing phrases a certain way. It also involves knowing the culture, its history and working consistently with the native language. A big difference between a high quality translation service and a startup with low paid employees is that the more experienced and professional service will likely have a stronger quality control process. The more credible translators have gone through rigorous training and have a more diverse education. Trying to cut corners on the quality of a translation to save money has proven to have unfavorable consequences. Businesses that rely on international trade cannot afford to gamble with inexperienced translators.

Language Complexities

The reason why it’s important to find translators who know both languages inside and out is that languages are constantly evolving. English is a complex language because it’s composed of about a million words but only 3,000 of those words are commonly used. It’s easy for people who don’t know English very well to confuse the meaning of niche words. Within every language are differences in word usage affected by region, social, and other factors. Even though English is known throughout the world, global business can improve the more communication improves for other widely spoken languages.

German Cultural Differences

When visiting a foreign country, it’s important to know what cultural differences to be prepared for. While Germany has many similarities to America, there are some interesting cultural differences. Here are some common cultural differences to help prevent any misunderstandings.

Dining Out
• Many basic and surprising cultural differences occur at restaurants and pubs. Water isn’t automatically brought to the table; you’ll need to order it. Also, water comes either with or without “gas” (sparkling), tap water isn’t normally drank or served, and none of it comes with ice.

• If a restaurant or pub is busy, it’s common, and socially expected, for people to share their table with strangers.

• Germans almost never eat with their hands, only appetizers and BBQ is a safe rule. Even pizza is eaten with a fork and knife.

• It’s not common to say grace before eating, but it’s very common to say “Guten Appetit!”

Meeting People
• Many cultural differences also occur in communication and it’s important to know them to avoid offending anyone. In general, Germans are more formal than Americans. They expect to be addressed as “Mr.”, “Mrs.” or “Miss”, even by people they are in contact with every day (including co-workers). In addition, Germans expect to be addressed as “Dr.” if they have any doctoral degree.

• If you are going to attempt to speak German, make sure to double check the form of “you” you use. Sie is the formal version while the informal du could be insulting.

• Instead of saying “Cheers!” when toasting, say “Prost!” or “Zum Wohl”.

• While Americans easily call someone a friend, Germans reserve “Freund” for long close relationships. One of the biggest cultural differences that can cause problems is that Americans are insulted by what they consider standoff-ishness or Germans are made uncomfortable by Americans who are too close too fast.

Out and About
• Plan ahead, most businesses are closed on Sundays. Germans use Sunday to stay with family, but few Germans attend church.

• Keep change handy, you’ll need to pay to use almost all public restrooms.

• Cultural differences also occur at businesses. Most have separate offices, as opposed to the “open air” American offices. Also, most Germans keep their doors closed and expect people to knock.

These are just a few of the cultural differences. However, in general the German culture is reasonable and nice, if you’re not sure of something go ahead and ask!

How to Avoid Communication Issues When Training Multilingual Employees

Training multilingual employees is a challenge that can be accomplished using quality translations, which can avoid confusion, embarrassment, and potential damages. Without a professional translation service a business is severely limited in making sure its messages are communicated effectively to its trainees, partners, or customers. Feedback is an important component to communication to make sure messages are not being misunderstood.

Training Quality

A good starting point for training multilingual employees is making sure all employee manuals or employee handbooks are already in the appropriate language for each individual. It’s helpful to give new trainees bilingual options. Visual aids are helpful tools to clarify the meanings of words and phrases. Offering demonstration videos can help clarify steps on how to do a job correctly. Managers should take an interest in learning more about the different languages spoken by their employees as well as learning how nonverbal communication, such as eye contact and voice volume, can affect perceptions. Training systems, such as eLearning platforms that offer bilingual communication help accelerate worker understanding and productivity. One way to improve training is to offer learning management systems (LMS), which are cloud-based tools that can provide communication in all languages. LMS can be used as a vehicle to grow a global business, which increasingly requires multilingual skills. Many corporations have developed successful strategies to expand their global business by hiring people trained to communicate with customers around the world.

Embracing Diversity

One of the things that helps any operation related to training multilingual employees is having an atmosphere that embraces cultural diversity. One of the benefits of projecting a multicultural image is that multilingual and bilingual people have different perspectives of the world than people who only speak one language, this difference creates an environment that is usually friendly to all people, which in turn helps the image of the company. Knowing how to overcome language barriers helps gain loyalty and trust. Building long term global business relationships relies on training a staff to understand how to separate language barriers from emotions. Cultural differences play a big part in language barriers as well. When training multilingual employees, it’s important to be as interactive with them as possible and not just assume they are absorbing the material.

Improving Language

Whether learning or teaching a new language, there are many online tools that help people accelerate their understanding of a language. These tools include free online translation sites and videos that help explain complexities of a language. The key is to not treat a language as a crash course, but to embrace it as a sophisticated system that helps simplify communication.

The importance of high quality translations in the corporate world

As businesses continue to become more global, it’s important for these businesses to be able to rely on competent translation services to send the right message to their customers. The problem with some translation services is that if they are not experienced or professional, they can mistranslate words or simply not employ skilled enough translators to communicate effectively in different languages and/or not use a second separate editor to edit the original translator’s work. Since the worldwide business community is getting more competitive, it’s best to hire a quality translation service with a proven track record, always ask for testimonials and check an agency’s current client base.

Language Experts

Working with experts who are very familiar with the languages you need is helpful because they understand the nuances that occur due to cultural differences in perceptions. The most valuable translators are well educated professionals who have studied communication and/or translation specifically and have expertise in semantics, grammar and localization. So in order to assure high level credibility, global businesses should work with not just people familiar with language translation, but professionals who are skilled in the art and science of communication in a broader sense.

Bad Translations

It’s very important for businesses to avoid bad translations, which can destroy relationships as well as opportunities. A novice translator might not know all the different nuances of a language and can send the wrong message due to his/her lack of knowledge. Understanding a language involves more than just translating words and constructing phrases a certain way. It also involves knowing the culture, its history and working consistently with the native language. A big difference between a high quality translation service and a startup with low paid employees is that the more experienced and professional service will likely have a stronger quality control process. The more credible translators have gone through rigorous training and have a more diverse education. Trying to cut corners on the quality of a translation to save money has proven to have unfavorable consequences. Businesses that rely on international trade cannot afford to gamble with inexperienced translators.

Language Complexities

The reason why it’s important to find translators who know both languages inside and out is that languages are constantly evolving. English is a complex language because it’s composed of about a million words but only 3,000 of those words are commonly used. It’s easy for people who don’t know English very well to confuse the meaning of niche words. Within every language are differences in word usage affected by region, social, and other factors. Even though English is known throughout the world, global business can improve the more communication improves for other widely spoken languages.

Translating is Art

Most translators would agree that translating something written from one language into another is a form of art. When I spend too much time managing the business I miss the hours I get to spend sometimes translating a document from English into Spanish for a client … it’s one of my only outlets to be truly creative (even if it’s in a more technical sense). What a translator does is “convert” a  picture in one language and “paint” it with words into another language. Since you and I mostly think in pictures… proof? What do you think of when I say “dog”? That’s literally what we are doing, painting a  picture in another language. This takes creativity and imagination, you  have to put yourself in the place of a person living in the target  country and ask yourself “how would someone in Chile say this?” The key is to make sure it sounds very natural and not literal. A literal translation is easy to spot and easier to do than a truly good translation which takes creativity.

Crowd Sourcing translation is a bad idea for Pinterest

Pinterest, the latest addition to social media, is asking their viewers to translate their website and content by using a popular new online tool called “crowd sourcing” that gets people who visit the site to help translate it. But just like I did not recommend “machine” translations for your important documents which should include your website, I don’t recommend “crowd” sourcing the translation of your website either. Here’s why:

Poor Quality: again, asking a bilingual person to translate your website is like asking a Spanish (or in the case of my prior post, Russian) person to teach Spanish History just because this person speaks Spanish and lives in Spain, you can’t. It takes years of preparation to be able to teach Spanish history well and fully.

Lack of Consistency: crowd souring means many different people will be contributing to the translation of your website, and like with anything else, each person has his or her own style as well as their own choice of words when translating a word or phrase that has different options. The end result will be an inconsistent translation that will end up confusing the visitors to the translated site.

Lack of Control: crowd sourcing won’t let you have control of the message you want your website to create. Even though Pinterest’s content is user-generated, each user will lose control of his message, it will very likely be lost in translation.

Maybe Pinterest should consider using professional translators for the website itself and crowd sourcing for daily postings by users.