Translation in Wikimedia Projects

From Devwiki

KIZU Naoko & Maria Fanucchi

Overview and analysis of translation work in relation to Wikimedia projects, both in content creation and organization. Impact of translation on the various projects, problems faced by translators, views on translation, role played in enhancing the global character and cultural diversity of Wikimedia projects.

Language diversity is one of the most significant characteristics of Wikimedia projects. Each project, each language enjoys autonomy but still interacts with projects in other languages. Translation is one major way the projects benefit mutually and share the fruit of their work. It is also the way the global Wikimedia community communicates with and among its many parts. We will therefore give consideration to the translation done within Wikimedia.

How are translations done on Wikimedia projects? How are they chosen, planned, organized? How are they seen by those who do not translate and/or are monolingual? What is the impact of translation on the activity and identity of the smaller projects, particularly minority languages? These are all questions to be looked into, translation being one of the main, if usually little-known, sides of the Wikimedia community. The speakers will give their report based on their wiki experience and research, and will encourage the audience to ask questions and give their opinions.