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As organisations expand internationally, employee training often needs to cross borders. A well-designed induction or compliance course in one market may fall flat in another if it hasn’t been adapted carefully.
That’s where eLearning localisation comes in.
In this blog, we look at:
- What is eLearning localisation
- How to plan for it
- Elements to adapt
- The eLearning localisation process
- And why to centralise localisation
What is eLearning localisation?
eLearning localisation is the process of adapting digital training content for specific regions, languages and audiences.
Localisation can involve adjusting text, voiceovers, imagery, video, and even measurement systems so that training feels natural, accessible and culturally relevant.
The goal? To ensure learners everywhere receive the same quality of training experience, without confusion or barriers to understanding.
Planning eLearning for localisation
Building localisation into your strategy from the start saves both time and budget later on.
Our recommendation is to consider:
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Scripting: Write scripts with localisation in mind; if possible, avoid culture-specific references and keep multimedia text to a minimum. However, cultural references and on-screen text can be adapted and translated.
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Images and video: Use neutral visuals wherever possible. Limit on-screen text so updates are simpler later.
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File preparation: Always keep source files organised and editable, from voice-over scripts to design assets.
This forward-thinking approach helps prevent costly redesigns once you begin translation.
Elements to localise in online training
Text
Text is the simplest element to adapt, but also the most sensitive to layout issues.
Translations may expand by 10–30% compared to English, so leave enough white space to avoid cramped slides.
Clear, unambiguous writing also ensures accuracy when translated.
Voiceovers
Voiceovers usually need transcribing, translating and re-recording in the target language.
Subtitles can be used as an alternative, but they risk overloading the learner if the screen already has a lot of text, so it's better to replace the voiceover. The combination of voiceover and translated subtitles is optimum.
Where scripts are available, this process is quicker and more accurate. Subtitles or dubbing should always be timed carefully to match the visuals.
Images
Images may need adapting for language, units of measurement, or cultural context.
For example, training materials designed for UK audiences may not translate directly for US learners due to differences in measurement systems.
Videos and multimedia
Videos are increasingly central to eLearning.
Multimedia localisation in eLearning may involve:
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Translating or dubbing narrations
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Adding subtitling
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Adjusting cultural references
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Editing sensitive or irrelevant content
Preferences vary globally: many parts of Europe and Asia favour dubbing, while Nordic audiences often prefer subtitles.
The eLearning localisation process
A robust localisation workflow, like the one employed by Wolfestone, should include:
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Translation of content – Compiling all scripts, text, images and multimedia for translation.
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Review of translations – Checking tone, terminology and brand alignment, with proofreading and editing options.
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Integration into eLearning modules – Rebuilding training packages with adapted text, audio and visuals.
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Testing and review – Ensuring the content works in its final format, often with input from native speakers.
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Final commissioning – Uploading to the LMS and trialling with a test group.
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Distribution – Rolling out to the wider workforce with confidence that it’s accurate, functional and engaging.
As an extra piece of advice from us, we would also highly suggest a feedback loop to make sure the content is well received.
Why centralise eLearning localisation?
With so many moving parts in translation and localisation, project management can quickly become complex.
Centralising with one trusted translation company, like Wolfestone, ensures:
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Consistency of terminology and tone
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Reduced risk of duplication or errors
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Faster project turnaround
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End-to-end accountability
Access to translation memory and translation glossaries
At Wolfestone, we help organisations adapt training for a global workforce with secure, ISO-certified localisation workflows.
Our team combines linguistic expertise, multimedia know-how and dedicated project management to ensure your training is accurate, accessible and engaging in every language.
From compliance modules to technical eLearning, we support businesses in life sciences, manufacturing, education and beyond.
Get in touch today to discuss your eLearning localisation project.
𝘒𝘦𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 2021 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘨𝘰 𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘏𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴.
