Who We Are management teams, client service groups, and content

development companies. Our experience working

with these organizations on every type of training and
Founded in 1992, TransPerfect has unparalleled
in over 170 languages has allowed us to develop a
experience providing enterprise language services
core set of best practice processes and guidelines
and technology to the world’s leading global
for clients embarking on a global training initiative.
organizations. One of our primary areas of expertise

Understanding
is in the training, education, and development of a
global workforce and customer base—providing

the Basics
multilingual education programs and initiatives that
span many countries, cultures, and languages.

Over the years, we’ve provided e-learning and Do you know your French from your Canadian
training localization services to a wide range of clients French? Because we do, and it's important to
including corporate universities, HR departments, understand the basics. Translation is the process of
learning and development departments, talent taking material from a source language and
changing the words to create another language
version. Localization, however, is the process of
translating and adapting a language for a specific
market or locale—defined as a country and language
(or region).

90+
TRANSLATION LOCALIZATION

GLOBAL
OFFICES 34 COUNTRIES 6 CONTINENTS VS.

170+
Examples of locales include Spanish for Colombia,

5,000+
Spanish for Latin America, and Spanish for Spain.
Localization is a linguistic and, to an extent, functional
process that depends on:

LANGUAGES • A thorough knowledge of the target market and

culture.
SUPPORTED

$705
• The application of creative concepts in the context
EMPLOYEES of diverse audiences.
• An understanding of the way that users interact
with a program or application.
• A thorough knowledge of trends in technology and
MILLION

learning.
• Breadth of experience in preparing elements of
e-learning in a way that makes future localization
fast and easy.

TransPerfect deploys technologies to simplify our

clients’ in-country review processes and maximize
the reuse of previously translated content—reducing
cost, accelerating publication of information, and
increasing consistency of language.

AND GROWING
In the following white paper, we will refer to some of
the technology used in the production process (e.g.,
1
translation memory). However, our expectation is that laborious than interim formats such as Flash or Java.
TransPerfect will be able to provide you with tools It is best to avoid these interim formats, which
that will benefit your translation and localization require cutting and pasting or re-working of the
initiatives. text, thus increasing the margin of error.

MULTI-PLATFORM CAPABILITIES
TRANSLATION MEMORY
We can work with all major file formats
and authoring tools, including:
YOUR INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY

“
NEVER PAY TO TRANSLATE
THE SAME PHRASE TWICE
Products which export to
XML or RTF/DOC or which
IMPROVED QUALITY AND
publish to HTML/HTML5
CONSISTENCY
save time and money
because preparation for
FASTER TIME TO MARKET localization is less laborious

„
than interim formats such
as Flash or Java.
Before Localizing
E-Learning Content Development &
Materials... Design Tips
Based on more than 20 years of experience,
Which Authoring Tool? working with subject-matter experts, and using a
full range of dedicated tools, we recommend the
TransPerfect has licenses for the majority of authoring
following guidelines during content development
tools such as Articulate (Storyline & Studio), Lectora,
to ensure a smoother localization process further
Captivate, iSpring, Flash, and Elucidat. Our engineers
down the line:
also work with a number of proprietary authoring
tools based on client requirements. • Plan for text expansion. Leave enough room in
layouts to allow for a 20–40% increase in the
From a localization standpoint, it is important to
amount of space required for the text.
select an authoring tool which allows for multilingual
• Avoid graphics that contain textual elements.
capabilities (such as accent marks, extended If you must include text in a graphic in order to
characters, two-byte characters, and bi-directional illustrate a point, be sure the graphics are layered
scripts). TransPerfect also recommends content so that the text can be stripped for translation.
that can be exported into XML or RTF/DOC files, or • Be aware that images such as stop or exit signs
published to HTML. Products with this type of differ from country to country. Allow for these
capability save time and money because preparation images to be swapped out easily should they need
of XML or DOC/RTF files for localization is less to be customized for specific regional audiences.
2
• Plan images of people for a multicultural TransPerfect can assist with content creation at any
audience. Consider including images of people of stage of e-learning development, delivering
different nationalities, ages, and genders. communication solutions optimized to meet your
• Avoid slang, jargon, idioms, and acronyms, as goals by providing:
they can be difficult to translate. If you must use
acronyms, be prepared with options for the target
A centralized, streamlined,
languages, or make the decision to display them end-to-end service
in the source language.
• Formality is the norm in many countries, so keep
this in mind as you are considering tone, style,
and voice. Allow for titles and last names when
addressing employees or colleagues. Check your
Translation Managed Audio Recording, Target Multi-device &
impulse to employ an informal, friendly tone, as with In-Country Video Subtitling Language Course Multi-browser
some audiences will view this as suspicious or SMEs Review & Dubbing Re-engineering Testing

condescending.
• Use sports references with caution. Not all sports
are universally known. If you must use them, What About
make sure they are relevant to your audience and
applicable in the target countries.
Voiceover & Video?
Voiceover and video are common elements of
TransPerfect considers all the risks involved in e-learning courses, and allow target audiences to
content authoring for the purposes of training a engage with the content from an audio as well as a
global workforce, whether the course in particular is visual perspective. When requesting an estimate, we
intended for compliance, technical, or academic ask that you provide the scripts and audio source files
training. Using industry-standard tools and techniques, whenever possible. Not only will this ensure you
our instructional designers craft effective learning receive accurate cost estimates, but it will allow us
experiences customized to meet your goals—whether to map out a well-defined process that takes into
based on your content, storyboards, or completely account timing, length of recording, types of voices,
from scratch. and other important production elements.

E-LEARNING OR CLASSROOM-BASED TRAINING?

$25
is returned on every $1

42%
invested in online training
E-learning increases
Retention rates of
retention rates by up to of companies say that e-learning
face-to-face training
are typically 60% has led to increased revenue

8–10% 40–60%
5x
more material is absorbed by
less time is wasted by employees if e-learning participants, without
e-learning is the main training method increasing time spent in training

3
WHAT’S NEW IN E-LEARNING?

WEARABLE
TECHNOLOGY
ENABLES LEARNERS
DRIVES LEARNERS TO INTERACT WITH
TO DO THEIR BEST THE SUBJECT MATTER

INCREASES
EFFICIENCY

BIG
DATA
REDUCES
DEVELOPMENT
TIME
GAIN VALUABLE
INSIGHT INTO
THE LEARNING
AUTOMATED EXPERIENCE
COURSE AUTHORING

EVERY LEARNER GETS

THE SAME E-LEARNING
EXPERIENCE WITH
RESPONSIVE
COURSES
REDUCE ONLINE
TRAINING COSTS WITH A
CLOUD-BASED APPROACH
4
 “
In our experience, the most cost-effective strategy for
e-learning localization is the untimed recording of
on-screen text. Because the narrative script matches
the on-screen text, the content requires translation
The most cost-effective
only once, with a small amount of time for script strategy for e-learning
adaptation. The audio for each language can then be
recorded at its natural pace and is not constrained by localization is the

„
the timing of the source language audio. Once the
audio is recorded, the on-screen text is retimed to sync untimed recording of
with the narration in order to harmonize the final
deliverables. The opposite process—attempting to on-screen text.
record the narration on the same timings as the
source language audio—is significantly slower and
more laborious.
Another cost-effective option is to have voiceover
The untimed strategy is particularly recommended content and on-screen actions function
for medical or technical material, as it may be difficult independently.
to condense this type of content without losing
For instance, voiceover can describe the process for
information essential to the training. Generally, all
proper gowning for contamination control while
Flash-based e-learning courses can be recorded as
images of workers in a lab come onto the screen
untimed. If timed recording is required, it is best to
illustrating different types of gowns. The voiceover
have the source language recordings completed
would be recorded without timing requirements
before beginning the translation. This is very important
and, once completed, the animations will be retimed
in helping the linguistic team identify the speaking
to match the length of the localized audio file.
pace, which determines how long the translated
scripts can be. Once translation is complete, there are three
options for localizing the multimedia content:
When recording the source audio, or shooting video
for localization that will require timing, it is helpful to • Dubbing or lip-synching
have the voiceover talent speak more slowly than • UN-style voiceover
normal. The average rate of speech is about 150 • Subtitles
words per minute. Having the talent speak at 100 to
125 words per minute, especially for medical/technical Choosing the best approach depends on several
material, is beneficial. If possible, have the talent factors, including budget, format of the original
speak very clearly and pause regularly. track, timing, and technical considerations.

PRE-PRODUCTION
• Script Development, Adaptation, and Review
• Professional Casting
• Bilingual Supervisors/Directors

PRODUCTION SERVICES
• Multilingual Voice Talent • Full Production Crews for Shooting
• Professional Recording Services In-Language
for Both Voiceover and Dubbing

POST-PRODUCTION
• Editing • Subtitling • Film Editing and
• Mixing • Transcription Conversion
• Graphics Replacement • Flash Localization

5
Please provide the following information when Please note: If there are uneditable graphics,
requesting a dubbing/voiceover estimate: screenshots, or tables embedded in the files, we will
assume they are to remain in English/the source
• Source audio/video files language, unless instructed otherwise.
• Type of source file and desired format for
deliverables (e.g., DigiBeta, QuickTime, AIFF, etc.) TransPerfect will analyze the files for word count,
• Video runtime – If you provide source audio/video, required services, type of content, and turnaround
we can calculate the length on our end time for localization. An account manager will
• Indication of whether there are any on-screen communicate any questions our production group
graphics or text for replacement may have regarding the files or expected
• Number of speakers, including male versus female deliverables.
• Timed or untimed
• Style of recording needed (e.g., UN-style, lip-sync The TransPerfect e-learning localization team is
dub, off-camera narration) familiar with industry trends, terminology, and all
the latest learning technology. During the file analysis
Please provide the following information when
and estimate preparation phases, your dedicated
requesting a subtitling estimate:
account manager will review the files to determine
• Source audio/video files the best process for localization, taking into account
• Type of source file and desired format for deliverables your turnaround time requirements, budget, and
• Video runtime – If you provide source audio/video, required deliverables.
we can calculate the length on our end
• Indication of whether there are any on-screen
graphics or text for replacement
FILE ANALYSIS

The Localization WORD COUNT

Process
Tips: File Submission and GRAPHICS
File Analysis
Your Training & Development project manager or
team may submit files to TransPerfect via an .ftp
site or GlobalLink workflow tool such as GlobalLink DELIVERABLES
Portal or Project Director.

For an accurate cost estimate, TransPerfect requests:

• All on-screen text

TURNAROUND TIME
• All scripts for voiceover (as recorded) or
confirmation that transcription is required
• All editable source files (.html, .xml, .cptx, .ppt, .fla,
.awt, .story, .xliff etc.)
BUDGET
• All graphics and supporting files in a live, editable
format (.psd, .png, .qm, .en, .doc, .ppt, .ind, etc.),
including any necessary templates and/or skins
• All required fonts
• An English, published version of the course(s) or TRANSLATION MEMORY
localized version(s) if not in English
• A copy of the final source-language published
course file structure
• Any existing translation memories or terminology For estimates requiring voiceover, please include
glossaries and style guides along with your source files all special instructions
• A list of target languages and locales for regarding file naming, pronunciation, preferred tone,
localization and any pauses or other elements that need to be
6
added in post-production. Upon receipt of the files, consistent and accurate translations. After each
we will first check the source scripts against the project is complete, TransPerfect maintains the TM
source audio/video to ensure all content matches to be used for future projects.
up, and notify you of any discrepancies.

Next, TransPerfect will review the material for repeat

Proposal
words (since this affects the final word count) and Based on the file analysis, TransPerfect will put
run the file against any existing translation memory. together a proposal detailing the recommended
Due to the nature of training and development approach and services involved, assumptions the
courseware (in which terms and phrases are often estimate is based on, and deliverables. This will
repeated to encourage knowledge retention) there ensure that both parties are aligned on metrics,
are usually a significant number of repeat words. budgets, production requirements, and timelines.

The use of translation memory will allow content TransPerfect’s services are fully modular, and we
segments that have been previously translated, work individually with each client to establish a
edited, and proofread by qualified human linguists customized approach to meet their budget,
to be stored and leveraged for all future projects. turnaround time, and service requirements.
The reuse of previously translated segments results
in lower costs, faster time to market, and improved
consistency across all content.
Translation, Editing,
Proofreading
Whenever you submit a project to TransPerfect, it
TransPerfect works with a global network of the most
will be analyzed for new text, partial (or fuzzy)
rigorously tested linguists worldwide. We approve
matches, and 100% matches:
only 12% of the potential linguists who apply to be
• A 100% match is a segment that matches translators, and less than 6% of linguists desiring to
perfectly to previously translated text. work in technical fields. In order to be considered
• Fuzzy matches are those that mostly match for approval, linguists must meet the following
segments stored in the TM, but have some criteria:
differences, such as missing or added words
or tense changes. These are carefully
reviewed by a translator. ADVANCED
• New text refers to is a segment that does not DEGREE &
PROFESSIONAL
5-10
align with any previously translated text. This YEARS’
REFERENCES
material is translated and will later be updated TRANSLATION
EXPERIENCE
in the TM for future leverage. LINGUIST
The cost savings from using translation memory are CRITERIA
immediately passed on to you, with a reduced PROOF OF

per-word rate for 100% or fuzzy matches. These

RESIDENCY
IN NATIVE 3
PROFESSIONAL
matches may only require editing and proofreading; COUNTRY
REFERENCES
however, all content is proofread for accuracy and
language quality. The use of TM ensures more

72% ofe-learning
60%
organizations believe
helps
Since 2000, them keep up with
the e-learning industry changes
industry has
grown by ...and ultimately increases

900% their competitive edge

7
 ENSURE COMPLIANCE
A compliance breach
can cost a company
ENGAGE EMPLOYEES millions of dollars,
Training and managing new, whereas compliance
local employees requires careful training can cost a
translation of training content as third of this.
well as a deep understanding of
local systems and customs.

INCREASE REVENUE
For every dollar spent
EMPLOYEE SAFETY on localizing e-learning
materials, you can expect
Language barriers
a $25 return on investment
contribute to 25% of
on average.
job-related incidents.
Protect your workforce
by educating them
appropriately.

Once a linguist meets the given criteria, they are By eliminating the manual process of distributing,
tested from among 80+ subject-specific tests in reviewing, and editing localized content, TRP
areas such as Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology, revolutionizes the way organizations manage their
Manufacturing, Financial Services, Automotive, internal reviews of translated content. And because
Hospitality, and Retail. Linguists can be certified to reviewers can filter content and hide 100% matches
no more than five areas of expertise. Every project from scope, the tool will also cut down on the review
they complete is evaluated for accuracy, quality, and time associated with TM segments.
timeliness. If their average performance dips below
expected results, they are permanently removed Desktop Publishing
from our linguist network.
For documentation files like InDesign, Microsoft Word,
TransPerfect recommends that the in-country team PowerPoint, Quark, and FrameMaker, TransPerfect
reviews all translations prior to pouring them into employs a team of professional graphic designers and
their final formats. We will deliver the materials in a typesetters who are responsible for taking the
bilingual Microsoft Word table, allowing the reviewer translated text and pouring it back into the source files.
to see the target material side-by-side with the source Our team re-adjusts the layout to accommodate for
language. This also allows for the reviewer to make text expansion, ensuring overall design cohesiveness
changes using the track changes setting. We are able and consistency with the source content. The
to cut down in-country review cycles by 75 - 90% formatted file then cycles through a design QA and
using our proprietary in-country review technology, post-DTP linguistic review to ensure the language
GlobalLink Translation & Review Portal (TRP). and style were not altered during the process.
8
 ®

TRANSLATION AND REVIEW.

CENTRALIZED.

Localization Quality Analysis

Code & Tags
SHRINK REVIEW TRACK PROJECTS IMPROVE SCORM Compliance
TIMELINES IN REAL TIME TRANSLATION QUALITY
Formatting & Layout
Graphics, Text, Voiceover

course—confirming that the layout is consistent

with the source, and that all elements display
MAINTAIN REDUCE PROJECT GET TO
CONSISTENCY MANAGEMENT MARKET FASTER properly in their final "end user" context.

Re-engineering & QA According to ATD and

TransPerfect Engineers re-build target language i4cp’s study, “The Role of
courses from the localized assets. The tasks
included in this process include text re-integration,
Learning in Globally
audio synchronisation, video integration, layout and Dispersed Workforces,”
format fixes, and Functional QA in comparison to
the source English build. A round of Client Edit
only 24% of surveyed
Implementation is also included in this process step. companies transitioning
For XML or HTML files, TransPerfect employs
localization engineers who review all files to ensure
to global operations said
that code and tag elements are unaltered and the process went smoothly.
untouched. When appropriate, they also check the
material is localized correctly for the target All necessary modifications will be itemized in bug
specifications, such as SCORM compliance. Our reports. Linguistic bugs will be submitted back to
engineering team will correct any formatting TransPerfect's localization team for remediation.
discrepancies, adjust tables, repair broken tags, and Subsequently, TransPerfect will execute regression
ensure that special character code elements are testing in order to verify that each bug has been
rendered correctly. Any pop-up windows, buttons, eliminated.
and graphic inserts will be verified and approved
with the localized layout. If post-localization testing is to be performed, it is
important for testers to have a list of browsers and

Post-Localization Testing operating systems that the completed course must

support. Testing on all supported browsers and
For "server side" files that have been fully localized operating systems helps ensure that content displays
and have undergone localization QA, TransPerfect correctly within every format for which it was
strongly recommends executing a full post-localization designed. For example, Internet Explorer may display
testing phase. Once you reintegrate the localized objects differently than Google Chrome, and so if
content into the test site architecture, qualified the content is expected to work on both, testing
linguists will navigate the entire localized should be performed in both environments.
9
Many times our e-learning clients want to forego
post-localization testing due to budget constraints.
However, issues with the end course are often
resolved during post-localization, making it an
important step. For example, if a line in an XML code
is tagged to be hidden but actually should be visible,
that error will be caught when the XML code is
uploaded and reviewed in the course context.

Delivery
After each project is completed, TransPerfect
incorporates any reviewer edits into the translation
memory for future use. We also recommend a
post-project meeting to discuss further steps or any
lessons learned for future collaboration. Being
prepared to discuss these issues together guarantees
a smoother project process each and every time.

Why
TransPerfect?
Translating and localizing training materials is
imperative for global businesses. According to ATD
and i4cp’s study, “The Role of Learning in Globally
Dispersed Workforces,” only 24% of surveyed
companies transitioning to global operations said it
functioned smoothly.

The best practices detailed in this guide are tried and

true methods for ensuring e-learning localization is
completed as efficiently and cost-effectively as
possible for your training initiatives. Although each
situation is unique, and every client’s needs vary from
project to project, a clear understanding of training
objectives, budgetary limitations, and linguistic
requirements are key to the creation of a successful
global program.
10