Translation Technology: Imperial College e-course on Localisation

30 April – 13 July 2012

Background

The Imperial College e-course on Localisation is an interactive e-learning course run in collaboration with the Humanities Department at Imperial College London, spanning a total of 11 weeks.  The course was written by a practising software localiser with many years' experience in the localisation industry and adopts proven e-learning teaching methods.

The course covers the following topics:

• an introduction to the key concepts of localisation,
• localising resource (software) files,
• localising online help files,
• screenshooting and localising graphics,
• localising games.

The e-course does not require the use of any specialised software apart from one unit which covers the localisation of graphics. Course participants can, however, choose whether they want to use freely available software or download and install trial versions of commercial image editing software.

The e-course follows a set format, with written course material provided at the beginning of each week, followed by self-test questions. Each unit is then followed by either group or individual tasks. E-course tutors are on hand every day at a set time to help with any unit- and task-specific questions participants may have.

The course material as well as tools for group discussions, email, assignments, quizzes etc. are accessible via  WebCT/Blackboard (the e-learning platform used widely throughout Imperial College London).  Based on experience, the weekly workload for participants is between 6 and 10 hours.

What is localisation?

Localisation is about the translation and cultural adaptation of software, documentation and games, and requires translators with very specialised skills. The localisation industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, and there is a lot of work for translators out in the market, but only for those who possess the right skills.

Who should attend?

This e-course will be useful for individuals and company representatives who have a professional interest in localisation.  The e-course will be of particular interest to translators and trainee translators embarking or thinking of embarking on a career in localisation.

You will need a good working knowledge of English and at least one other language to translation-proficiency level. The e-course is particularly appropriate for those who are or will be working from English into another language. You will also need a high level of competence with computers. Your own computer and WWW access (preferably with a high-speed connection) are almost indispensable.

Language combinations

English > Arabic
English > Brazilian Portuguese
English > Czech
English > Dutch
English > European Portuguese
English > French
French > English
English > German
German > English
English > Greek
English > Italian
English > Indonesian
English > Japanese
English > Korean
English > Polish
English > Russian
English > Simplified Chinese
English > Spanish
Spanish > English
English > Traditional Chinese

If you don't find your language combination above please contact us.

What will I gain from the course?

You will gain an understanding of some of the techniques of software and game localisation as well as hands-on practice with a wide range of tasks. Participants will receive an Imperial College Certificate of On-line Study on completion of the e-course.

Benefits of online learning

• Study at anytime, from anywhere
• Course material is accessible 24 hours a day 7 days a week
• Facilitates team learning and student interaction via online forums
• Learn skills in using online learning technologies 
• Participating online is much less intimidating than in the classroom and everyone gets a chance to contribute
• Because there are no geographic barriers to online learning, students can find a diversity of course material that may not be available to them where they live or work
• The online environment makes instructors more approachable
• An opportunity/environment to exchange experiences and knowledege with colleagues from all over the world 

What do the participants say about the course?

'Thanks a lot for your feedback and help during these past 2 and a half months. I have really enjoyed the course and I have learnt a lot. Doing the course has confirmed that I would like to pursue a career in localization and I'm sure that what I have learnt here will prove very useful.'
Participant in the Localisation e-course, May 2011

'I feel so lucky that I chose this course because I think I have learned a lot about this brand new area. Thank you very much Daniela!'
Participant in the Localisation e-course, January 2011

'I have been waiting for this exciting e-course for long. I'm crazy about the technical stuff, and localization is particularly the very area that I want to explore and contribute my passion to. Localisation is more than mere translation, it's a form of art to me, which specifically calls for the localiser's creativity and professional skills. Luckily, Imperial College offered me this precious opportunity to have a full insight into this industry.'

Participant in the Localisation e-course, January 2011

'I cannot believe it's the final task already. I'm glad I learned a lot and I do think this e-course is really helpful.

Participant in the Localisation e-course, January 2011

'Thanks for a great course on localisation. I have enjoyed a lot exploring this new field!'
Participant in the Localisation e-course, January 2011

'Thank you so much for this exciting course! I learnt a lot!!! I find the course material (including practical tasks) extremely useful and enjoying as well.'

Participant in the Localisation e-course, July 2010

"I am a translator and was interested to see what actual software localization really involved. I learned a lot and it has definitely improved my overall skills."

Part icipant in the Localisation e-course, January 2010

"I found it useful and some parts familiar to what I do in t he day job."

Participant in the Local isation e-course, January 2010

"I am finding the course interesting and, although I went on it mainly out of professional curiosity, I have recently been offered my first potential localisation job."

Participant in the Localisation e-course, March 2009

"I must say I am enjoying this more than I expected! What I am enjoying the most is the fact that I am learning a whole new area within the translation industry. Not only the translation-related topics, but also how software actually works (it is something that is so close that we take it for granted and do not bother trying to understand how it works). The practical approach of the units also makes it very appealing to me. Linguistically it becomes a challenge to translate software from English into Spanish. Initially it all seems very easy, but once you start you have to bear many things in mind (Terminology, style, etc.) so it becomes really hard work!"

Participant in the Localisation e-course, March 2009

" I think the course is very well structured and the lessons are very clear to me. Also, the method "learning by doing" is just great!"
Participant in the Localisation e -course, March 2009

STOP PRESS The Imperial Monthly Magazine Podcast for February 2009, which contains an interview with Daniela Ford, the developer of the Translation Technology: Localisation course, and Mark Shuttleworth, the head of the Translation Section of the Department of Humanities, is available here http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/media/podcasts. This interview, which can be found slightly less than halfway through the podcast, contains a lot of useful information about the course. For those who prefer, the interview is also available in transcript form at the same address.