WHAT THEY DO:
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex.
It operates 21 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, and numerous research centers. Its mission is to “increase and diffuse knowledge.” The Smithsonian houses a vast collection of artifacts, specimens, and works of art, and offers a wide range of educational programs and research opportunities.
THE CHALLENGE
The Smithsonian Institution faces several language challenges in its educational endeavors. These challenges stem from its diverse audience, which includes visitors from around the world who may not speak English as their primary language.
Here are some specific challenges:
- Accessibility of Exhibits: Creating exhibits that are accessible to visitors with limited English proficiency can be complex, requiring careful consideration of language, cultural nuances, and visual cues.
- Educational Programs: Developing and delivering educational programs that cater to non-English speaking visitors can be challenging, especially when dealing with complex scientific or historical concepts.
- Website and Digital Content: Making website content and digital resources accessible to non-English speakers requires translation and localization efforts.
- Volunteer and Staff Training: Training staff and volunteers to interact effectively with non-English speaking visitors can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
Overcoming these language barriers is essential for the Smithsonian to fulfill its mission of increasing and diffusing knowledge to a global audience.
THE SOLUTION
To address one of the language challenges faced by the Smithsonian Institution, TE offered a comprehensive solution involving subject matter expert translation.
TE’s team of expert linguists, combined with subject matter experts, accurately translates complex scientific and historical concepts into multiple languages. This ensures that the translated content is not only linguistically correct but also culturally appropriate and scientifically accurate.
By partnering with TE, the Smithsonian can now Offer Multilingual Educational Programs, catering to the needs of a global audience.
Through these services, TE empowers the Smithsonian to break down language barriers and share its wealth of knowledge with a global audience.
THE RESULTS
By partnering with TE for translation services, the Smithsonian Institution reaps several benefits:
- Enhanced Global Reach: TE’s language expertise enables the Smithsonian to reach a broader international audience, expanding its impact and influence.
- Improved Visitor Experience: Multilingual educational materials and programs can enhance the visitor experience, making it more engaging and informative for non-English speakers.
- Increased Accessibility: By breaking down language barriers, TE’s translation services make the Smithsonian’s resources more accessible to people with diverse linguistic backgrounds.
- Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Accurate and culturally sensitive translations help preserve the integrity of the Smithsonian’s collections and research.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: TE offers efficient and cost-effective translation services, maximizing the Smithsonian’s resources.
- Expert Support: TE’s team of subject matter expert translators ensures that the translated content is accurate, culturally appropriate, and engaging.
By leveraging TE’s language expertise, the Smithsonian can continue to inspire and educate people around the world.