The Translation Initiative FAQ

Contact the Initiative Coordinator with questions about this initiative.

I don't see my language, what can I do?

To suggest a new language, an article for translation or to become a translator, email the Initiative Coordinator and join the Translation discussion list.

What is the Translation of Information Architecture Initiative?

The initiative aims to translate information architecture (IA) resources from and to various languages. The goal of the initiative is to promote IA throughout the world, and to promote information architecture as a field.

What are the countries again?

The translation project is not about countries. It deals with languages. Our volunteers are from all over the world, so a volunteer from Brazil may translate something in Portuguese (spoken in Brazil), which could be useful for an information architect working in Portugal.

Do you need to join the Institute to access the translated articles?

No, anyone can access the translations. According to the IA Institute's translation rights agreement, the original author of the article retains all copyright and gives the Institute the non-exclusive right to publish translations of the article on the Internet. The IA Institute does not charge for access to these translations.

How are resources selected?

A translation can be suggested by anyone by writing to the institute or directly contacting a Language Representative. The article's relevance is evaluated by the Translation Initiative Coordinator and each Language Representative.

Why is internationalization important to AIfIA and the burgeoning IA community?

"Connecting people from diverse disciplines, countries and cultures is a strategic imperative, not only for the IA Institute but for the IA, design and information technology communities as a whole. Our competitive advantage derives from our very ability to build bridges and link communities. The Translation Initiative is an important step in the right direction."

Peter Morville
Co-author, Information Architecture for the World Wide Web