As we have discussed in this series, success as a learning leader requires a myriad of skills, tools, and responsibilities. One such responsibility of learning leaders who work in a global organization is overseeing the localization and translation of all learning materials. Effective learning initiatives resonate with their intended audiences. For global organizations, this means that materials must not only be accurate across various locations but also culturally appropriate to those involved. A learning leader can drive global learning engagement and effectiveness by catering to the cultural learning preferences of their learners.
Why Localization and Translation Matter
Before jumping into the practical steps, let’s understand the significance of localization and translation. These processes help ensure that content speaks directly to the audience—that the materials achieve the desired impact on the learners. A training module that works well in one region might fall flat in another if its creators don’t consider local-specific factors. Imagine for a moment how a metal fabricator in Iowa might have different learning needs than a Manhattan bioengineer. The culture of the learner matters! The goal of developing globally relevant content is that every employee, whether sitting in Toronto or Tokyo, receives the same quality of learning experience.
- Think Global from the Start with a Diverse Team
So, what strategies can a learning leader use to effectively reach each of your intended learners? You can start by building a development team, SMEs, and/or vendors who reflect the diversity of your specific global audience. Involving members from representative cultural backgrounds provides valuable perspective and insight. As your team begins to plan the content, but before they storyboard, give them space to brainstorm regarding its global reach. What learning preferences does the audience share? Would they learn this content better in a small group or alone at a computer? Approach content creation with an international lens so that you plan for translation, localization, and potential cultural adjustments from the onset before you outline the content.
- Document Cultural Nuances, Quirks, and Preferences
Next as you dive into scripting materials, be sure that your team carefully avoids idioms or metaphors that don’t translate easily. Keep sentences clear and concise to facilitate translation. Use examples that your global audience can relate to. If this is too large a task because the examples and needs are too varied, consider creating multiple scenarios and allow the learner to choose the one that is customized for them. And if your favorite content writer loves to use the phrase diving in to motivate English speakers, you may want to grab a different approach as this idiom doesn’t fly well in other languages. (Do you see what we did there?)
Understand that graphics, roles and scenarios, and colors carry different meanings—or evoke different emotions—across cultures. Be proactive and ask your audience how your storyboards and mockups make them feel. Is that red banner offensive? Are the images representative without being demeaning? Do the example situations ring true to their location?
Build a file that houses the results of your research on these and other cultural norms, idioms, and sensitivities to avoid. It’s crucial to respect these differences to create inclusive learning materials.
- Leverage Technology and Tools
Don’t be reluctant to use technology to your advantage. Employ internal translation management systems (TMS) or choose vendors carefully who use TMS to automate and streamline translation workflows. In addition to TMSs, look for authoring tools that support multilingual content and collaborate with professional translation and localization services to ensure accuracy and cultural appropriateness.
- Incorporate Feedback Loops
After your learning initiatives are launched, regularly gather and incorporate feedback from global teams to continuously improve. This not only strengthens the content but also promotes a culture of continuous learning. Your audience will feel respected and heard as you build a global community.
- Align Global Training and Development with Company Goals
And finally, don’t forget to align your localization and translation efforts with the overall training and development strategy of the organization. Ensure that learning initiatives support the company’s goals and enhance the competencies of employees worldwide. Localization and translation can greatly impact the value of a training initiative, either positively or negatively. For those top priority endeavors, don’t cut corners on localization. Making the content relevant to your various global audiences is the main event.
Successfully leading a global learning team requires more than just an understanding of learning science or design. It demands a comprehensive strategy for localization and translation including a strong process, a diverse team, and helpful tools. By following these key strategies, learning leaders can create impactful learning experiences that transcend geographical boundaries and foster a truly global mindset within their organizations. Learning leaders can not only enhance the effectiveness of their initiatives but also champion a culturally diverse and inclusive learning environment, building a strong global community.
Stay informed and inspired! Sign up for our weekly newsletter to access expertly curated articles, insightful podcasts, and exclusive webinars—all designed to help you excel in learning and development. Whether you’re looking for the latest trends, practical tips, or thought leadership, our content is tailored to provide actionable insights and fresh perspectives. Join a community of professionals committed to driving growth and innovation in L&D.
