Bridging Educational Barriers Through Translation: Expanding Global Learning Through Language Accessibility.

This paper is based on a literature review and professional reflection on multilingual instructional design practices. Language remains one of the most significant barriers to global education. As higher education expands through online and cross-cultural platforms, many students still struggle to access content in a language they fully understand. This paper examines how educational translation and multilingual instructional design can reduce these barriers and promote more equitable participation in online learning environments. Drawing from recent studies on accessibility, inclusivity, and digital competency, it argues that translation is not only a linguistic process but also a pedagogical strategy that supports cognitive engagement and cultural belonging. By integrating translation into course design, institutions can create more inclusive and human-centered learning experiences for international students. The findings highlight the national and global impact of educational translation in advancing the goals of equitable, high-quality education for all—aligning with broader efforts to make online learning accessible, inclusive, and culturally responsive.