Terminology drift rarely appears as an explicit error. Individual terms may be translated correctly in isolation, yet their meaning shifts gradually across modules, languages, and time. In multilingual e-learning systems, terminology functions as connective tissue. It links concepts across lessons, assessments, interfaces, and documentation. When terminology drifts, the system remains operational, but conceptual coherence weakens.

After auto-translation, most e-learning courses continue to load, run, and complete without visible errors. Navigation works, quizzes can be submitted, and completion states are reached. From a technical perspective, the system appears intact. This is precisely why degradation is difficult to detect. The course does not fail. Instead, instructional effectiveness erodes quietly while the platform continues to operate as designed.