An increased demand for localized training and e-learning programs has emerged, a demand that also comes with its challenges. As Arabic is not supported by most of the applications used. Our team has developed tools to enable viewing and editing Arabic in those applications.
Localized training programs have the challenge of promoting a uniform corporate culture while having to consider the cultural and social context in which the training is being delivered.
Training and e-learning programs are usually very complex projects that encompass a wide variety of increasingly sophisticated mediums: A lot of training programs start with paper based manuals and PowerPoint presentations used in a classroom. Even though those mediums are still very relevant, it is more and more common to see computer-based trainings, web-based trainings, multimedia presentations, video presentations, for which localization requires an important gathering of resources such as: Translators, editors, desktop publishers, multimedia specialists, software engineers, voice talents, producers, studio engineers, and many more. The right choice and the right management of those resources can ensure that localized training programs live up to their expectations of teaching a global workforce in a consistent fashion, while enhancing trainees' experience through the consideration of the cultural context.
Audio and Video
For audio and video localization, the constraint is time, rather than written length, which is a much more challenging task to overcome. In challenges, such as program length restrictions and lip synchronization, not only is translation required, but transliteration is often employed as well - paraphrasing in such a way that the content remains accurate, while still maintaining the overall context of as the original message.
Special attention is required in choosing the right people to perform this task. Translators and narrators must be native speakers of the required language and proficient in the ongoing idiomatic changes to both English and their respective languages. The translator needs to be able to creatively design the best approach to the translation, in order to convey the meaning of the subject matter as it was originally intended in English. In addition, the narrator's vocal delivery must contain no accent. It should be impossible to hear even regional dialects of a particular country, regardless of the language, unless a particular dialect is requested. When the translation is completed, at least two additional translators, equally familiar with the particular subject matter, should verify and confirm the translation.
