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Localization Lab
The Localization Lab works with global partners to translate internet-freedom technologies and educational resources into as many languages as possible—aiding in the adoption of these tools where they are needed most.
About the Localization Lab
While a tool may be secure, it is of limited use if it does not reach broad adoption, which is largely dependent on tool availability in a given user’s native language. Since OTF’s focus is global, supporting localization efforts has been key to expanding the reach of OTF-funded projects.
Prohibitive costs and limited availability of professional translation are two of the biggest hurdles to overcome when deploying Internet freedom tools globally. With continuous updates to software, recurring costs can quickly exceed a project’s available resources. To address these challenges, OTF partnered with SecondMuse and Transifex to create an internet freedom-localization hub built on Transifex’ online crowd-sourced translation platform. Volunteers from around the world can contribute translations and ensure that a given tool is available in their native language. This localization hub has dramatically expanded the potential user base of Internet freedom tools.
Over 75 projects
translated in 240
languages and dialects
Services
User Feedback Get end-user feedback to help your project reach its target audience, and improve usability Localization Management The lab works closley with developers and volunteer contributors to produce hassle-free and accurate localization of your project. Community Management Need outreach support? The Lab will help you design community outreach strategies to build your networks and strengthen collaborations.Localization Lab Support Examples
- Translating Tor Browser Essentials and User Manual into Burmese and other local languages
- Mobilizing around the invasion of Ukraine, Localization Lab prepared a full list of circumvention tools, digital security resources, and secure messaging apps that have been previosuly localized into the Ukrainian language.
- Translating PolicyLab Africa’s mis/disinformation guides into Nigerian Pidgin
- Conducting expert interviews and workshops with journalists, human rights activists, bloggers’ associations, LGBTQ+, and digital rights organizations in Nairobi, Kenya to understand emerging online threats and community needs for circumvention tools
Read about other results: https://www.transifex.com/otf/public/
Eligibility
Any project in need of localization for their internet freedom tools is eligible. Projects don’t have to be previously or currently funded by OTF in order to receive support.
Support the Localization Lab
The Localization Lab is looking for translators and projects! Speakers of the following languages are particularly in demand: Arabic, Amharic, Burmese, Chinese, Estonian, Farsi, French, German, Hindi, Khmer, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, Tibetan, Turkish, Turkmen, Uyghur, Urdu, Uzbek, and Vietnamese.
Our Partners
Transifex
We’re helping companies – from startups to enterprises – connect with their users in their native language. With our SaaS-based Localization & Translation Management Platform, organizations and brands can easily translate digital content such as websites, mobile apps, games, videos, help centers, and more continuously.
Localization Lab
We make FLOSS technology accessible through collaboration with developers, organizations, end users, and communities in need. Our crowdsourced localization results in more accurate and timely translations and unlocks access to the internet for users all over the world