2024:Program/Enhancing Online Volunteer Translation: Lessons from Wikipedia
Session title: Enhancing Online Volunteer Translation: Lessons from Wikipedia
- Session type: Poster
- Track: Research
- Language: en
Based on an MSc dissertation titled “System Analysis for an Online Volunteering Collaborative Translation Platform that Supports Translating Wikipedia Articles”, this poster explores the evolving landscape of online volunteer translation, focusing on the practices observed in Wikipedia. Utilising Internet-based ethnographical research and the Grounded Theory approach, the poster calls for further efforts to support online volunteer translation efforts, processes, and community. It lists requirements for a system that provides efficient functionalities to enrich Wikipedia content in various languages, particularly Arabic. Lessons learned from novice and expert translators will also be listed to overcome impediments and enhance the translation process.
Description
[edit | edit source]The poster aims to present findings from research conducted on the online volunteer translation phenomenon, focusing on the experiences and challenges faced by translators contributing to platforms like Wikipedia. It highlights the importance of supporting volunteer translation efforts and proposing solutions for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the translation process.
Objectives: 1. To showcase the significance of online volunteer translation in enriching content accessibility in diverse languages on Wikipedia. 2. To present key findings from Internet-based ethnographical research and the Grounded Theory approach, focusing on the needs and challenges of the online volunteer translation community. 3. To identify requirements for a system that provides efficient functionalities to support volunteer translators and enrich Wikipedia content, particularly in languages like Arabic. 4. To share insights and lessons learned from both novice and expert translators, with a focus on overcoming impediments and improving the translation process. 5. To foster discussions and exchange ideas among participants regarding the enhancement of support systems and collaboration within the online volunteer translation community. 6. To inspire further research and innovation in the field of online volunteer translation, aiming to contribute to the advancement of translation practices and content accessibility on platforms like Wikipedia. Possibly collaboration on a paper to share the findings. 7. Seek potential collaborators interested in conducting additional interviews within the community to further validate findings and potentially publish research outcomes.
- How does your session relate to the event theme, Collaboration of the Open?
By showcasing how volunteers from diverse backgrounds collaboratively contribute to enriching Wikipedia's content in multiple languages.
- What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?
Everyone can participate in this session
Resources
[edit | edit source]Speakers
[edit | edit source]- Abd Alsattar Ardati
- I'm a collaboration enthusiast and Lecturer who recently completed his PhD at the University of St Andrews School of Computer Science. Originally from Syria, I've been driven by the impact of limited knowledge access to address social challenges through research and educational initiatives.
- Since discovering the Wikimedia Foundation's mission in May 2018, I've been dedicated to supporting its movement, starting with an MSc dissertation focused on enhancing the Wikipedia content translation tool and supporting volunteer translation. During my PhD, I introduced a co-design framework for grassroots solutions and used it to co-designed WikiSync, a collaborative Wikipedia editing tool. Additionally, I co-founded the IDEA Network to systematically support open-knowledge research projects. Presently, I'm focused on participatory design strategies to address social issues like digital poverty, exploring Wikipedia's potential as a medium to provide assistance to those affected.
- While I'm not a regular contributor, I'm devoted to researching ways to improve Wikipedia for everyone. Outside of academia, I enjoy music, archery, and, lately, attempting not to break any bones while slacklining!