Smart Translations: Best Practices for Localising Learning Materials in the Age of AI

The need for high-quality translated learning materials is greater than ever. With the advent of AI and machine learning, the translation landscape has evolved, offering new tools and efficiencies. But translating educational content involves unique challenges that go beyond straightforward translation. Here are some best practices for localising learning materials in the age of AI.

The Role of Learning Designers

1. Deep Subject Matter Expertise:

Learning designers possess a deep understanding of the subject matter. They don’t just know the content; they understand the intricacies and nuances that make the material effective for learners. This expertise is invaluable during translation, ensuring that complex concepts and technical terms are accurately conveyed.

2. Andragogical Insight:

Learning designers understand the educational strategies behind the content. They know the learning objectives, the intended flow of the material, and the key points that need emphasis. This insight helps maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the instructional design during translation.

Leveraging AI for Translation Efficiency

1. AI-Powered Tools:

AI-powered translation tools can significantly speed up the translation process, providing quick and reasonably accurate translations. These tools are excellent for handling large volumes of text and can serve as a solid starting point for translation.

2. Human Oversight:

Despite the efficiency of AI, human oversight is crucial. AI tools can sometimes miss context-specific nuances or cultural subtleties that are essential for effective learning. Having learning designers and professional translators review and refine AI-generated translations ensures that the final product is both accurate and contextually appropriate.

Ensuring Localisation and Effectiveness

1. Cultural Sensitivity:

Translating learning materials isn’t just about converting text from one language to another; it’s about localising the content to fit the cultural and contextual nuances of the target audience. This means considering regional language variations, cultural references, and educational practices to make the material relatable and engaging.

2. Inclusive Language:

Using inclusive language is essential, especially when translating from English into languages that often default to masculine forms, like Spanish and French. Our team prioritises gender-neutral language wherever possible, ensuring that translations do not reinforce gender biases.

3. Consistent and Clear Terminology:

Using consistent terminology helps avoid confusion and aids in building a reliable reference framework for learners. Simple and friendly language, free from jargon and overly academic terms, makes learning accessible to all.

4. Highlighting Keywords:

Effective learning materials often call out keywords and important concepts. Ensuring that these elements are preserved in the translation helps maintain the educational value of the content.

How Organisations Should Think About Translation

1. Collaboration is Key:

Organisations should involve the original learning designers in the translation process. Their deep understanding of the subject matter and educational design is crucial for ensuring that the translated content remains effective.

2. Integrating AI with Human Expertise:

While AI can provide efficiency, human expertise is essential for accuracy and contextual relevance. Organisations should use AI as a tool to support human translators, not replace them.

3. Focus on Localisation:

Localisation goes beyond translation. It involves adapting the content to fit the cultural and contextual nuances of the target audience, ensuring that the material is engaging and relevant.

4. Quality Assurance:

Implementing a robust quality assurance process is essential. This includes multiple rounds of review by both learning designers and professional translators to ensure the highest quality of the final product.

Our Expertise

At Oliva Creative, we understand the complexities involved in translating learning materials. Based in the multilingual city of Barcelona, we are uniquely positioned to navigate the intricacies of multilingual translation. Our team comprises expert learning designers with broad cultural knowledge and experience, as well as professional translators committed to inclusive and effective language.

By combining the efficiency of AI with the deep expertise of our human translators and learning designers, we ensure that your translated learning materials are accurate, culturally relevant, and educationally effective. Let us help you create a truly effective translated and localised learning experience. Feel free to reach out to discuss how we can support your translation needs.

Read more about the relations between machine translation and human translation here:

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/1087/6/062046/meta