REDCap's MLM App FAQ'sAnchor _GoBack _GoBack
The below Knowledge article provides insight into the new MLM MultiLinqual Module app in REDCap for language translation. It is provided in a Q&A format. See other KBs Refer to the MLM Configuration Knowledge Article for step by step instruments for setting up your MLM project.
I am setting up a project that needs to be in multiple languages. Should I use the Multilingual EM or the Multi-Language Management Application in REDCap? What are the differences?
...
Multilingual EM | MLM App | |
# languages supported | Unlimited. Languages are set using a multiple-choice field within the project | Unlimited. Languages set at project configuration level. |
Background logic | Uses EM and action tags | App built into REDCap |
Location where language translation is seen | Surveys only | Converts language in surveys, data entry instrument, Alerts, throughout the project |
Complexity to set up | Equal time investment to translate questions to participants | Equal time investment to translate questions to participants |
Data Dictionary | Will show action tags indicating languages | MLM app not linked to DD so not relevant. The DD will show which languages are for each survey or data entry form |
Stability | More fragile. For example, If you modify your language choices, this can cause your translations to break. It is important to have the language choices exactly the way you want them before you add in your translations. | Stable. System level configuration instead of field level |
Project instructions & error messages (e.g. "Required field, must provide value). | Must be coded into every field for every language translation | Much faster. Done at project level |
Flexibility |
| You can activate any given language for data entry or for survey for any given instrument. For example, pre-survey can have German / Spanish languages and no languages enabled for another form |
If I currently have a multilingual project using the EM will it be moved into the new MLM App?
No, existing projects will not be converted to the new MLM app.
How are changes made for a project in Production using the MLM?
Per normal change request process, place project in Draft mode. Changes which are not auto approved will be reviewed & implemented by REDCap analyst.
Functionality in Online designer is modifiable when Production is in draft mode as currently exists (e.g., Survey Queue, Form Display Logic, Survey Settings can be changed when project is in Draft mode if you have Project Set up user rights.)
Note: Projects must be placed in DRAFT mode to make any changes to the MLM settings page at the project level.
How does the Data Dictionary work for projects using MLM and multiple language?
The DD displays field information so it is completely different for a project using the MLM than a project using the EM. The MLM language translation is not connected to the fields like the Multilingual EM is where you use action tags in fields to set up the language translation. The MLM uses a separate part of REDCap and is not part of the DD, just like survey queue and event info is not part of the DD.
However, for MLM, the DD code Book will show "active languages" for each instrument. The below image shows the for the Prescreening Survey the available language for Data entry are en, es (English, Spanish) as well as for Survey mode.
And no languages are enabled for this form in the project 
Can I take a DD from project A to B?
Yes, if the fields match up then you can download the languages from the language tab and upload to a similar project that is aligned. Must be done one language at a time
Can I copy the XLM of a MLM project for use in another project?
Yes!
Are the E-consent framework items able to be translated for a MLM project?
Yes! Completely! You can translate all the stock language and everything you see as part of the e-Consents framework. And also, if you e-consent using the framework, the pdf stored in the file repository the consent form will be in the language in which they took the survey. This will be beneficial for CFR Part 11 compliance for e-consent which requires it to be in the same language in which they consented.