Is your organization taking full advantage of multilingualism, or are you missing a critical strategic opportunity?
In our latest "Experts Insights," we explore the ever-changing world of translation and localization. Last month, Mariana Horrisberger, our awesome Business Development Manager, represented Language Network at ATD24. As one of the largest conferences dedicated to learning and development, ATD24 brought together professionals from various fields, all united by a common goal: to boost their organization's learning and development programs.
One big topic that stood out was multilingual training. In this article, Mariana shares the latest trends and best practices for rolling out interlingual training, offering tips on where to start, what to watch out for, and why culturalization is so important in corporate training.
The Significance of Multilingual Training
In today’s globalized world, thinking about a complete training program for workspaces where multilingualism is a reality is no longer a luxury: it is a necessity. Organizations operating across borders face the challenge of communicating effectively with a diverse workforce. This is where multilingual staff training comes into play. It ensures that all employees, regardless of their native language, have access to the same information and training materials. This inclusivity not only boosts employee morale but also enhances productivity and engagement.
During the conference, various sessions highlighted the benefits of training multilingual learners. One of the key takeaways was how it aids in reducing misunderstandings and errors, which are often costly for businesses. By providing training in multiple languages, organizations can ensure that all employees understand the content thoroughly, leading to better implementation of skills and knowledge.
The Role of Culturalization in Training
A related aspect that was discussed at ATD24, in the light of new technologies and companies promoting unsupervised AI translation, was the role of culturalization in training programs. But what does culturalization mean?
Culturalization goes beyond translation, it involves adapting training materials to fit the cultural context of the target audience. This process is vital because it respects and acknowledges the cultural differences within a diverse workplace, making training more relatable and effective. This is something that AI, regardless of how sophisticated of a version we use, is not yet capable of attaining.
At Language Network, we have always emphasized the importance of culturalization. Our approach involves working with professionals who specialize in understanding the cultural nuances of different regions. These experts ensure that the training content is not only linguistically accurate but also culturally relevant. This practice enhances the learning experience and fosters a more inclusive work environment.
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Training multilingual learners: Best Practices
Implementing a personalized training requires careful planning and execution. Here are some best practices shared during the conference:
- Assessing Language Needs: Begin by identifying the languages spoken by your workforce. This assessment helps in prioritizing which languages to focus on for training materials.
- Collaborating with Experts: Work with language professionals (like me!) who understand the intricacies of translation and culturalization. Their expertise ensures that the training content is both accurate and culturally appropriate, so that it is perceived and understood by your target audience in the same way as the original intended.
- Utilizing Technology: Leverage technology to streamline the translation process. Tools like translation management systems can help manage and automate parts of the workflow, making it more efficient. On this note, it is important to pay attention to language access when choosing a learner-facing tool (such as an LMS), to ensure it supports the languages your audience needs to engage with it.
- Continuous Feedback and Improvement: Gather feedback from employees to understand the effectiveness of the training. Use this feedback to make continuous improvements to the training materials.
- Training the Trainers: Ensure that those delivering the training are also well-versed in the multilingual and cultural aspects. This ensures consistency and effectiveness in training delivery.
Preparing different industries for multilingualism
When it comes to preparing different industries for multilingual training, companies need to take strategic steps to ensure successful implementation. Whether in industry, manufacturing, healthcare, or business, a robust training program that consider multilingualism can make a significant difference.Check out some specific tips to apply in different industries:
Healthcare
- Clear and accurate translation: Ensure medical terminology is translated accurately and clearly to prevent misunderstandings.
- Cultural sensitivity: Adapt training materials to consider cultural beliefs and practices related to health and medicine.
- Patient interaction training: Include role-playing scenarios that reflect culturally diverse patient interactions.
E-learning
- Localized content: Adapt e-learning content to fit the cultural context, including examples and case studies relevant to the target audience.
- Multilingual interface: Provide a localized website and a user interface that supports multiple languages for easier navigation.
- Voiceover and subtitles: Use native speakers for voice overs and provide subtitles to improve comprehension.
Multinational Companies
- Inclusive language: Use language that is inclusive and avoids regional jargon that may not be understood globally.
- Cross-Cultural training: Offer training that helps employees understand and appreciate cultural differences within the company.
- Flexible learning platforms: Utilize platforms that allow employees to access training materials in their preferred language and at their convenience.
Manufacturing
- Safety protocols: Ensure that safety training materials are clearly understood in all languages to prevent accidents.
- Visual instructions: Use diagrams, videos, and other visual aids to demonstrate procedures and processes.
- Standardized terminology: With the help of specialized translators, develop a glossary of standardized terms used across all languages to ensure consistency.
By implementing these tips, trends, and best practices, organizations can create effective multilingual training programs tailored to their specific industry needs.
ATD24: More about the event
ATD24, boasting attendees from multiple countries and a Global Village of their own, reinforced the importance of multilingualism and culturalization in today’s global business landscape. We at Language Network believe that investing in these areas is crucial for organizational success. By embracing multilingual training and working with professionals who focus on culturalization and best practices, companies can create a more inclusive, efficient, and productive workforce.
Customized Multilingual Services
The insights gained from ATD24 undoubtedly guide our efforts at Language Network as we continue to support organizations in their multilingual learning and development initiatives. Together, we can bridge the language gap and foster a more connected and competent global workforce. Our team of experts treats each project with the utmost dedication, combining the best translators for the appropriate subject matter expertise with the latest technology in automation for project management. Find out more and book a meeting with our experts here!
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This content is brought to you by Mariana Horrisberger, our in-house eLearning Localization expert. Mariana has over a decade of experience in translation of elearning content, as well as a BA in Translation of English Language and Literature from her hometown university (UNLP). She has been in Business Development for the Learning and Development industry for five years and is currently one of the co-organizers of the Global Learning and Development Community, a networking and learning space for professionals in Learning and Development. This article is part of our series of “Subject Matter Expert” articles. Stay tuned for more insights, trends, and analyses of the Translation and Localization industry.