eLearning Translation & Localization Services
Your training course was built in English. But your learners are in Germany, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Brazil — each with their own language, culture, and regulations. IKHYA converts your existing eLearning into fully localized multilingual experiences that feel native, not translated.
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More Than Translation — It's a Complete Cultural Makeover
Many organizations assume that translating the text of a course is enough. It isn't. A course that was built for a North American audience will feel wrong to a learner in Tokyo or Riyadh — not because the words are incorrect, but because the examples, visuals, tone, colours, and cultural references don't match their world.
eLearning translation and localization services go much further. Translation handles the words. Localization handles everything else — adapting scenarios, replacing images of people and places, adjusting date and currency formats, re-recording voiceovers with native speakers, and ensuring the final product feels like it was built for that audience from day one.
IKHYA provides both. We handle the full localization lifecycle from linguistic audit and translation memory setup, through cultural adaptation and voiceover production, to SCORM/xAPI rebuild and LMS testing — delivered as a single, fully managed service.
Text Translation
Every on-screen word, button label, quiz question, and assessment instruction — translated by subject-matter linguists, not generic translators.
Native Voiceover Recording
Professional studio-quality voiceovers recorded by native speakers — matched to the tone, pacing, and regional accent appropriate for your target audience.
Visual & Cultural Adaptation
Characters, imagery, colour symbolism, and cultural references replaced or adapted to align with the norms and expectations of each region.
Technical Rebuild & LMS Testing
Localized courses rebuilt in the original authoring tool, re-published as SCORM or xAPI packages, and tested within your LMS before delivery.
Subtitles & Closed Captions
Timed subtitle files (SRT/VTT) produced for all video and screen-recorded content — including RTL formatting for Arabic and Hebrew.
Compliance & Regulatory Localisation
Where regulations differ by country, we adapt compliance references, legal examples, and policy language to match the requirements of each market.
40+ Languages Across Every Major Region
Whether you need one language or twenty, IKHYA has native-speaking linguists, voice talent, and instructional designers ready. Every language includes full voiceover, subtitle, and cultural adaptation support — not just text translation.We Likely Support It
We work with over 300 native-speaking linguists globally. If your target language isn't listed, contact us — chances are we already have the right specialist available.
Every Localization Service, Under One Roof
Most localization vendors only do the translation. You then have to find a separate voiceover studio, a different developer to rebuild the SCORM, and another person to test it in your LMS. IKHYA handles everything as a single, coordinated service.eLearning Content Translation
Full translation of all course text — slides, narration scripts, assessments, quiz feedback, button labels, and navigation strings. Translated by domain-expert linguists, not generic translators, using terminology glossaries built for your industry.
Get a QuoteNative Voiceover Production
Professional studio voiceovers recorded by native speakers with the correct regional accent — Gulf Arabic, Parisian French, Brazilian Portuguese, Mandarin Mainland or Taiwanese. Audio synced to original timing and re-edited for natural pacing.
Get a QuoteSubtitle & Caption Localisation
Timed subtitles (SRT/VTT) translated and time-coded for all video and animated content. Full RTL subtitle support for Arabic and Hebrew. Closed captions also available for WCAG 2.1 compliance — so localized courses remain accessible.
Get a QuoteVisual & Cultural Adaptation
Replacement of culturally inappropriate images, icons, and colour choices. Scenarios and examples adapted to reflect local business norms, dress codes, and workplace environments. Date, time, currency, and measurement formats localized automatically.
Get a QuoteSCORM & xAPI Rebuild
Localized courses rebuilt inside the original authoring tool — Articulate Storyline, Articulate Rise, Adobe Captivate, Lectora, iSpring, dominKnow, or Elucidat — and re-published as SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004, or xAPI packages ready for your LMS.
Get a QuoteLMS Testing & Quality Assurance
Every localized module tested by a native-speaking QA reviewer on multiple devices and browsers before delivery. Completion tracking, branching logic, and scoring validated in your LMS environment — so nothing is broken when learners access it.
Get a QuoteWhat "Just Translated" Looks Like vs What Learners Actually Need
This is the most misunderstood gap in global training. The table below shows exactly what buyers are comparing when they evaluate localization partners — and where most providers fall short.| What You're Comparing | 🚫 Text-Only Translation | ⚠️ Basic Localization | ✅ IKHYA Full Localization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Text | Translated, sometimes machine-assisted | Translated by a human linguist | Translated by a domain-expert native linguist with your terminology glossary |
| Voiceover | None — learner reads subtitles or hears original English | Synthetic AI voice, may sound robotic | Human studio voiceover, native regional accent, matched to original pacing |
| Cultural References | Unchanged — US/UK examples remain | Some scenario names changed | Scenarios, examples, and regulations fully adapted for the target country |
| Images & Characters | Original images unchanged | May flag obvious issues only | All images reviewed; culturally inappropriate visuals replaced as standard |
| On-Screen Text (OST) | Text-only file delivered, not embedded | Embedded but may overflow layout | Fully embedded with text expansion handled, layout reviewed for every language |
| RTL Languages (Arabic, Hebrew) | Not supported | Text translated but UI not mirrored | Full RTL layout — mirrored UI, right-aligned text, RTL subtitles and navigation |
| SCORM / xAPI | Word/Excel file only — client must rebuild | Basic rebuild, limited testing | Full SCORM/xAPI rebuild + LMS testing, ready to deploy on receipt |
| Translation Memory | None — same content priced again for updates | Sometimes included | Built and maintained for your account — repeat content = lower future cost |
| Compliance Accuracy | Not reviewed — regulations unchanged | Noted but not adapted | Compliance references reviewed and updated to match local regulations per country |
| Delivery | Translated files only | Published files, minimal testing | Native-reviewed, LMS-tested, deployment-ready package with sign-off documentation |
Poor Localization Costs More
Courses that feel foreign to learners get lower completion rates — meaning your L&D budget doesn't deliver the ROI it should. Done right the first time saves rework costs.
Compliance Risk in 14+ Countries
A compliance course that references US OSHA standards instead of local regulations isn't just ineffective — it can expose your organization to audit risk in European and Middle Eastern markets.
Native = 60% Better Retention
Research consistently shows learners retain significantly more when training is delivered in their native language — especially for technical, safety, and compliance content.
AI Speed. Human Accuracy. The IKHYA Hybrid Localization Model.
Pure machine translation is fast but produces errors in tone, terminology, and cultural nuance that damage learner trust. Pure human translation is accurate but slow and expensive at scale. IKHYA uses a proven hybrid model — AI does the heavy lifting, humans guarantee the quality.Step 1 — Linguistic Audit
Before any translation begins, we audit your source course for localization-friendliness. We flag idioms, cultural references, hard-coded images, and layout issues that will cause problems — and fix them at source to reduce rework later.
Phase 1 · AI + HumanStep 2 — AI Translation Draft
Translation Memory (TM) is checked first — any previously approved segments are reused automatically, saving cost and ensuring consistency. New content is processed by our calibrated MT engine, trained on eLearning terminology for your industry.
Phase 1 · AI-AssistedStep 3 — Native Expert Edit (TEP)
A human translator who is a native speaker of the target language reviews every segment. They correct tone, fix cultural references, ensure technical terminology matches your glossary, and make the content sound like it was written originally in that language.
Phase 2 · Human ExpertStep 4 — Voiceover & Multimedia
Approved translated script goes to our studio network. Native voice talent records the narration in the correct regional dialect. Audio is edited, synced to animations, and timed to match original pacing. Subtitles are updated in parallel.
Phase 2 · Human ExpertStep 5 — Authoring Tool Rebuild
Our eLearning developers embed the translated text, new voiceover, updated subtitles, and adapted visuals back into the original authoring tool. Text expansion is handled, slide layouts adjusted, and RTL layouts mirrored for Arabic/Hebrew deliverables.
Phase 3 · TechnicalStep 6 — Native QA & LMS Testing
A second native speaker performs final linguistic QA within the built course — checking everything in context, not just in a spreadsheet. The published SCORM/xAPI package is then tested in your LMS, with completion tracking and branching logic verified before sign-off.
Phase 3 · Human QATranslation Memory Saves You Money on Every Future Project
Every project we complete for you builds a Translation Memory — a secure database of approved translations in your terminology. When you update a course or localize new content in the same language, any repeated or similar segments are matched automatically. Clients with established TMs typically save 20–40% on each subsequent localization project.
on repeat projects
Ready to Make Your Training Global?
Tell us your languages, course count, and target timeline. We'll scope it and send a detailed proposal within 48 hours.
How Long Does It Take? What Does It Cost?
The most common question buyers have — and the one most vendors dodge. Here's an honest guide to eLearning localization timelines and cost factors, so you can plan your budget and rollout with confidence.Typical Turnaround by Module Type
| Module Type | Per Language (Standard) | Per Language (Expedited) | What's Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-min text-heavy course | 7–10 business days | 4–5 business days | Translation, OST embed, SCORM rebuild, LMS test |
| 30-min course with voiceover | 10–15 business days | 7–8 business days | Translation, voiceover recording, audio sync, SCORM, LMS test |
| Video-based module (10–20 min) | 7–12 business days | 5–6 business days | Script translation, subtitle SRT/VTT, voiceover (optional), caption embed |
| Compliance course with regional adapt. | 15–20 business days | 10–12 business days | All above + regulatory review, scenario adaptation, sign-off documentation |
| Full programme (5+ modules) | Scoped per project — parallel workflows available to compress timeline | Dedicated PM, phased delivery, translation memory built from module 1 | |
What Drives the Cost of eLearning Localization?
Word Count & Language Pair
Per-word translation rates vary by language pair and complexity. Less common languages (e.g. Thai, Swahili) carry a small premium over common European pairs. Most 30-min courses run 3,000–6,000 source words.
Voiceover Requirements
Voiceover is typically priced per finished minute of audio. A 30-minute narrated course requires roughly 20–25 minutes of voiceover. Studio talent, accent specificity, and re-record rounds affect pricing.
Interactivity & Technical Complexity
Courses with heavy branching, simulations, or drag-and-drop interactions require more rebuild time than linear Rise courses. Complex SCORM with many layers takes longer to re-engineer than straightforward slide-based content.
Number of Languages
Per-language unit costs decrease when you localize into multiple languages simultaneously — shared project management, one QA cycle, one LMS test pass. A 5-language project costs less per language than 5 separate single-language jobs.
Cultural Adaptation Depth
Simple text-swap localization is cheaper than full cultural adaptation. For compliance-critical or regulated industries (healthcare, finance, oil & gas), deeper adaptation is strongly recommended — and increases cost modestly.
Translation Memory Leverage
If you have previous IKHYA projects (or provide an existing TM/glossary), repeat and similar segments are priced at a reduced rate — sometimes 0% for 100% matches. Large libraries with strong TM can reduce costs by 30–40%.
A 30-Minute Course, One Language, With Voiceover
Typically ranges from $1,800 – $4,500 depending on language pair, voiceover requirements, and interactivity complexity. Multi-language projects receive volume pricing. The fastest way to get an accurate number is to share your source file — we'll scope it free of charge and deliver a line-item proposal within 48 hours.
Why Global Organizations Choose IKHYA for eLearning Localization
You could use a translation agency. You could use a voiceover studio. You could use an eLearning developer. Or you could use one team that does all three — coordinated, accountable, and specialized in eLearning specifically.eLearning-First Specialism
Unlike general translation agencies, IKHYA only works on learning content. Our linguists understand instructional design terminology, question-and-answer flow, branching logic, and the pedagogical intent behind every sentence they translate — not just the words.
300+ Native-Speaking Linguists
We maintain a curated network of over 300 native-speaking translators, each vetted for subject-matter expertise in one or more industries. When your safety training goes to a German linguist, that person has a background in workplace safety — not just German.
End-to-End Technical Delivery
Translation, voiceover, SCORM rebuild, and LMS testing — all delivered by a single team with a single project manager. You don't coordinate between three vendors. You send us the source file and receive a deployment-ready package.
Full RTL & Complex Script Support
Arabic, Hebrew, and Farsi localization requires more than reversed text — the entire course interface must be mirrored. We have dedicated developers for RTL builds, including Storyline, Rise, and Lectora RTL configurations.
Translation Memory Ownership
You own the translation memory we build for your account. It's yours to export at any time, use with any vendor, or bring in-house. Many clients' TMs are worth tens of thousands of dollars in saved future localization costs.
Confidentiality & IP Protection
Full NDA on every project. Your course content, proprietary processes, and compliance procedures never leave our secure workflow. All translators and voice talent sign confidentiality agreements before receiving any materials.
Localization Expertise Across Every Major Sector
Different industries have different localization challenges — regulated terminology in healthcare, safety-critical language in manufacturing, regional legal variance in finance. Our linguists are matched by industry as well as language.Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
Medical terminology, patient safety protocols, and regulatory compliance localized to regional healthcare standards.
Manufacturing & Engineering
Safety procedures, equipment manuals, and operator training adapted for factory floor learners globally.
Financial Services
Compliance training localized to regional regulations — MAS (Singapore), FCA (UK), SAMA (Saudi Arabia), GDPR (EU), and more.
Oil, Gas & Energy
HSE training, permit-to-work procedures, and emergency response courses adapted for multi-national field teams.
Retail & FMCG
Product knowledge, customer service standards, and brand training localized for frontline retail teams across regions.
Aviation & Logistics
Safety-critical procedures, ground handling, and cabin crew training adapted to ICAO standards across multiple languages.
IT & Software
Technical onboarding, software walkthroughs, and IT security awareness training localized for global tech workforces.
Education & Professional Training
Academic content, professional certification courses, and skills programs adapted for learners across diverse cultural contexts.
Your eLearning Translation & Localization Questions, Answered
These are the real questions buyers ask before starting a localization project — answered honestly, without jargon.What is the difference between eLearning translation and eLearning localization?
Translation converts text from one language to another. Localization is a broader process that adapts the entire learning experience — including voiceover, images, cultural references, date and currency formats, compliance language, and interface layout — to make the course feel native to the target audience. IKHYA provides both as part of a single, fully managed service.
How do you handle right-to-left (RTL) languages like Arabic and Hebrew?
RTL localization requires more than just translating text — the entire course interface must be mirrored. We have dedicated eLearning developers experienced in RTL builds for Articulate Storyline, Articulate Rise, Lectora, and Adobe Captivate. All navigation, button placement, subtitle alignment, and quiz layouts are reversed and tested before delivery.
Can you localize courses built in Articulate Storyline, Rise, or Adobe Captivate?
Yes. We work natively inside all major authoring tools — Articulate Storyline, Articulate Rise, Adobe Captivate, Lectora, iSpring, dominKnow, and Elucidat. We do not simply overlay translated text on a published package — we work in the source files to ensure fonts, layouts, and interactive elements all behave correctly in the localized version.
What is Translation Memory and how does it save money?
Translation Memory (TM) is a database of every approved translation we produce for your account. When the same phrase or sentence appears again — in a new module or an updated version of an existing course — the system flags it as a 100% match and we apply the existing translation at a zero or reduced cost. Over time, especially for organizations with large course libraries, TM can reduce localization costs by 20–40% per project.
Do you offer AI voiceover or only human voiceover?
We offer both — and we'll recommend the right approach based on your budget, content type, and learner expectations. Human studio voiceover is always our first recommendation for compliance, safety-critical, and client-facing training because natural pacing and authentic accent significantly improve learner engagement. For rapid content updates or high-volume internal courses, AI voiceover with human review is a cost-effective option we support.
How do you handle text expansion in languages like German or Finnish?
German, Finnish, and several other languages can expand source text by 20–35% when translated. We account for text expansion at the design stage — adjusting font sizes, splitting slides where necessary, reformatting text boxes, and ensuring no content is cropped or overflowing in the published output. Every localized module is reviewed visually before delivery.
Can you adapt compliance training to meet local regulations?
Yes. For compliance-critical content, we review all regulatory references and update them to reflect the relevant local standard — for example, replacing OSHA references with EU Directive or UK HSE guidance, or adapting data protection content to local privacy law equivalents. This is especially important for organizations deploying the same base course across multiple regulated markets.
Will the localized course work in my LMS?
Yes. Every localized course is published as a SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004, or xAPI package and tested in an LMS environment matching your specification before delivery. Completion tracking, pass/fail scoring, and branching logic are all verified. If you can share your LMS details during scoping, we replicate your exact environment for testing.
Often Paired with Localization
Many organizations localize existing courses — but also need new courses built from scratch, or existing classroom training converted to digital. These IKHYA services integrate seamlessly with our localization workflow.Custom eLearning Development
Build new courses from scratch — designed from day one to be localization-ready. Fewer rework cycles, lower cost per language. Perfect for organizations planning global rollout before development begins.
Explore ServiceILT to eLearning Conversion
Converting instructor-led training to digital first? We can build the eLearning version and localize it simultaneously — saving time and ensuring consistent structure across all language versions.
Explore ServiceAccessible eLearning
We combine localization with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 accessibility compliance — ensuring every learner, in every language, has equal access to training. Subtitles, alt text, and screen-reader compatibility included.
Explore ServiceRapid eLearning Development
Need to build and localize quickly? Our rapid eLearning service using Articulate Rise and iSpring produces localization-friendly courses faster — ideal for time-sensitive compliance or product training rollouts.
Explore ServiceMobile Learning Development
Localized courses optimized for mobile delivery — responsive layouts, touch interactions, and offline access configurations for learners in the field, on manufacturing floors, or in remote locations.
Explore ServiceCourse Redesigning Services
Outdated courses with poor visual design localize less effectively. We redesign ageing modules for modern aesthetics and localization-readiness before converting them to multilingual formats.
Explore ServiceYour Global Workforce Deserves Training in Their Language
Tell us your languages, your course count, and your timeline. We'll scope the full project and deliver a detailed, line-item proposal — free of charge — within 48 hours.
