This July University of Leeds Libraries, in partnership with the Knowledge Equity Network, invites you to join an online event to translate Wikipedia!   

Did you know there are Wikipedias in over 300 different languages, each with its own dedicated community? English Wikipedia is by far the biggest with more than 7 million articles and 112,000 active users, while other European languages near the top of the table include German, French, Spanish and Italian. At the other end of the wiki spectrum are smaller Wikipedias in all manner of languages from Africa, India and the Global South: Igbo from Nigeria, Twi from Ghana, Gujarati and Samoan, to mention just a few.

So, if you are a native speaker in any language other than English, please come along and help us translate Wikipedia!

Why is translating Wikipedia important?

As a global source of information, English Wikipedia is available to everyone and can be automatically translated with modern tools. Nevertheless, translating articles into other languages empowers those smaller language communities while reflecting local context. Wikipedia is also an important source for AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) so can contribute to both the accuracy of information and its translation.

Why is Wikimedia an important tool for academics to engage with?

As experts in their field, academics are uniquely placed to improve the accuracy and reliability of information available to the public especially in an age of misinformation. 

This event is part of a Wikimedia Residency at the  University of Leeds in partnership with Wikimedia UK. If you would like to run an edit event related to your discipline or interest, please get in touch.
 

What will happen during the workshop: 

• You'll receive introductory training on how to edit Wikipedia - no prior experience is needed and we will help you to get started. 

• You’ll be guided through basic editing processes, including getting you set up with a Wikimedia account, if you don’t already have one. 

• With support from Wikimedia/Open Knowledge Adviser Lucy Hinnie and Open Research Adviser Nick Sheppard, you'll explore existing Wikipedia content to translate between your chosen languages - your translation does not necessarily need to be either from English, or into English - please work in the written language(s) that you are most proficient in.

• We'll also aim to improve articles and you'll be guided in using reliable resources, including materials from the University of Leeds library and archives. 

• Library staff and facilitators will be available to those in the room and online throughout the session to answer questions and support your editing. 

This is a great opportunity to actively contribute to open, equitable knowledge sharing, while learning valuable digital research and editing skills. 

Just to note, the session will be delivered in English by colleagues from the University of Leeds working in Open Research and Wikimedia.

What do I need to bring?

The event is online only, but we'll send instructions beforehand so you can set up a Wikipedia account to enable you to begin editing. It would be great if you could identify 1 or 2 pages  on Wikipedia that you have a passion for that you would be keen to translate.