Wikimania 2024

State of Language Technology and Onboarding at Wikimedia
08-09, 13:30–14:55 (Poland), Ohrid (9)(interpretation)
Language: English

In this session, we'll explore language tools that support Wikimedia sites on web and mobile platforms, such as Content/Section Translation, MinT and LanguageConverter. Discover how these tools enhance editors' experience and engagement within their communities. We'll discuss the current state and future of languages onboarding, sharing research findings and brainstorming ways to improve the experience. Led by WMF staff involved in the Language team’s work and volunteers, join us as we delve into the exciting world of language tools and discuss ways to enhance language onboarding. New or seasoned editor? Join us to improve language onboarding!


In this session, we will focus on two aspects of language at Wikimedia: language technology and language onboarding. We will begin with an overview of language representation across Wikimedia projects.
We'll then take a bird's eye view of the language tools that support Wikimedia sites on both web and mobile platforms. These tools, such as Content/Section Translation, MinT, LanguageConverter, play a crucial role in helping editors work more efficiently by facilitating internationalization and localization efforts. Furthermore, we'll provide insights into how various language editions are utilizing these tools to enhance their content and engagement within their respective communities. It'll be a sneak peek into the innovative ways in which these tools are being leveraged across Wikimedia projects.
Following this overview of language tools, we'll delve into the current status and the future direction of languages onboarding at Wikimedia. We'll share the latest updates and research findings related to Incubator and other test projects, and then engage in a collaborative brainstorming session to generate recommendations for enhancing the language onboarding experience.
This session will be led by a group of us who are involved in the Language team's work at WMF, along with volunteer contributors. Whether you're a seasoned editor or new to Wikimedia, come join us as we explore the exciting world of language tools and discuss ways to make language onboarding even better!

Session recording: https://youtu.be/BbGrkYK8FEk?list=PLhV3K_DS5YfJ1xyY0LNDNX3RKyRQEXOdB&t=15713


How does your session relate to the event themes: Collaboration of the Open?*

Our session focuses on enhancing collaboration within the Wikimedia community through the exploration of language tools and onboarding processes. By discussing how language tools support collaboration among editors and communities on Wikimedia sites, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of how open collaboration can be facilitated and strengthened. Additionally, by brainstorming ways to improve language onboarding experiences, we strive to promote inclusivity and openness within the Wikimedia community, ultimately contributing to a more collaborative and accessible platform for knowledge sharing and creation.

What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?*

Everyone can participate in this session

How do you plan to deliver this session?*

Hybrid with some participants in Katowice and others dialing in remotely

What other themes or topics does your session fit into? Please choose from the list of tags below.

Collaboration, Affiliates, Capacity building, Product development

See also: Slide deck

Srishti Sethi is a Senior Developer Advocate for Language and Product Localization team in the Product & Technology Department at Wikimedia Foundation. Learn more about her at: https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/User:SSethi_(WMF).

I am a Wikimedian, a Co-founder of the Igbo Wikimedians User Group with more than ten years of experience in Community and Social Service work. I studied Architecture and practised for some years before venturing into Community and Social Service.

I support the Language and Product Localization team, by engaging targeted communities to provide the product team with community perspectives and feedbacks on different tools and products.

Caroline Myrick is a Senior Analyst on the Research team in the Product & Technology Department at the Wikimedia Foundation. Learn more: User:CMyrick-WMF

I've been a Wikimedian for 19 years, and am involved in language support and technology. I am part of the Wikimedia Language Committee, and the maintainer of the Wikimedia Incubator extension. I work as a Community Outreach Specialist in Wikimedia Norge, the Norwegian Wikimedia chapter.

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