Translating Cochrane content into other languages is a priority for us. We are always pleased to hear from translators interested in joining our local teams of volunteers who work to make Cochrane Reviews available in their language. If you would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer translator, please read the frequently asked questions below.
Which languages do you translate into?
Thanks to the hard work of our volunteer teams, we currently translate into Chinese (simplified and traditional), Croatian, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil and Portugal), Russian, Spanish, Tamil and Thai. Not all of these languages are actively seeking volunteers to join. If your language is not included yet, keep reading to learn what else you can do.
Why do you translate into some languages, but not others?
Translation is a big need in many non-English speaking countries, but it is also a big job! It requires a lot of resources to start and coordinate a project, even if there are a lot of volunteers. If we don’t translate into your language, then that’s usually because there are no resources, and no one has come forward yet who can initiate a project. Maybe you can?
What do you translate?
We mainly translate Abstracts and Plain Language Summaries (PLS) of Cochrane Reviews from English into your language. You can learn more about Cochrane Reviews here: http://www.cochrane.org/what-is-cochrane-evidence.
Can I choose what I want to translate?
Yes, you can usually choose which Cochrane Reviews you want to translate. We do recommend translations focus on recently published Reviews. Some translation teams prioritise specific areas of health that are of particular relevance to their country. But generally, translators can choose the topics that interest them.
How does the translation process work?
We use an online platform for translation that is freely available for all volunteers. Team coordinators and experienced volunteers work as editors and will review your work before it is published. You can also contact them if you have questions or if you need advice.
Can I join even if I don’t have any experience?
Yes. While any experience in health, translation, writing or editing is an advantage, it is not a compulsory requirement. We are asking you to do a test translation when you first sign up, but generally, anybody willing to lend their time and skills to our projects is welcome.
What is in it for me?
Luckily for us, our volunteers see it as a personal reward to contribute to Cochrane, because they believe in what we do, and like to be part of our organisation. Contributing as a translator can also be a learning experience and equip you with new skills. While we cannot offer payment to our volunteers, your name will appear next to your published translations to acknowledge your contribution. We offer certificates and references, once you have translated a certain amount, in recognition of your work. Also, as part of our membership scheme, translators who contribute regularly can become active members of Cochrane with rights to vote in our Governing Board elections.
How do I join?
To join Cochrane as a translator, please go to: http://join.cochrane.org/what-you-can-do/translate.
What can I do if you don't translate into my language at the moment?
Please join our mailing list (https://lists.cochrane.org/mailman/listinfo/translations) to stay up-to-date with translation news and opportunities to get involved in other languages, or follow us on Twitter: @CochraneLingual. You can also take a look at Task Exchange (http://taskexchange.cochrane.org/), where Cochrane contributors post opportunities for ad hoc translation in a variety of languages, as well as other tasks related to Cochrane Reviews.