Objectives

eCoLoMedia targets trainers and teachers of professional translation, localisation and cultural adaptation in academe, professional bodies and industry.

Trainers face three difficulties: their own lack of computer skills and training in specialised tools; keeping pace with a changing profession; and the lack of training materials, in the form of digital files covering different languages for use in the classroom.

While eCoLoRe and eCoLoTrain cater for translation memory tools, eCoLoMedia seeks to address the intrinsic difficulties of multimedia translation: the difficulty of obtaining illustrative film or game sequences; the time-consuming preparation of multimedia files and corresponding pedagogical scenarios.

Multimedia localisation is typically an area where familiar translation constraints meet eContent localisation techniques. The goal of eCoLoMedia is thus to facilitate the integration of multimedia localisation into conventional translation teaching.

Enabling curriculum development

eCoLoMedia offers a general survey of the field, with specific overviews of the different media. ‘Localisation kits’ and suggested learning and teaching scenarios illustrate the practice of localising each medium. These highlight the cultural, linguistic, pragmatic and technical difficulties of each medium, as well as the possible translational and technical strategies for overcoming them.

eCoLoMedia also offers general guidelines for the creation of similar training courses in the field, paying particular attention to the didactic needs of the target group.

This is intended to enable trainers to introduce the translation of multimedia eContent into general and specialised translation classes.

Providing materials to meet the needs of the target groups

The localisation kits and teaching scenarios are freely downloadable from the website, as and when they are produced. Their design is informed by a survey conducted by ITI and CBTIP/BKVTF reflecting current practice and needs in translation schools as well as in the industry.

The participation of content developers ensures the needs of the end users of the localised products are represented. The use of state-of-the art localisation tools illustrates potential workflows in multimedia localisation.

The cultural and game sectors can only gain from the existence of a larger pool of trainers who are able to integrate specialised multimedia localisation skills and tools into professional translation teaching in order to provide today’s students with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the requirements of the localisation market.

Such better-trained students will offer better localised cultural products, ensuring the diffusion of the cultural richness of each European community.