The Rise of Crowdsourced Translation in Journalism
Foreign correspondents: make way for the crowds. Increasing numbers of international news sites are featuring crowdsourced translations of news from abroad rather than original content.
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With the news industry cutting back on international coverage, the trend may be arriving at the ideal time. Outlets previously gathered international news through wire services and foreign bureaus, but the process has always been expensive, making it a prime target for cuts.
Understanding Crowdsourced News Translation
Crowdsourcing translation refers to the process where groups of people, often volunteers, translate content collaboratively. The system uses technology to combine and refine translations, creating cohesive content. This method is increasingly popular for translating news articles and expanding access to global journalism.
For example, platforms like Yeeyan.com translate international articles into Chinese, while Meedan.org focuses on Arabic-English translations. Watching America translates news articles from any language into English.
How Crowdsourced Translation Is Changing Global Journalism
With the decline of foreign correspondents and expensive international bureaus, crowdsourced translations are filling the gap by making global content accessible. Platforms like CNN have even partnered with crowdsource tools like Duolingo to allow users to translate news articles as part of their language learning journey.
This shift raises the question: Are translators being replaced by technology and crowdsourcing? While foreign correspondents offer depth and expertise, crowdsourcing translation provides an affordable alternative to expanding global coverage.
Legal Implications of Crowdsourced News Translation
Older translated news efforts, like those mentioned above, sometimes face copyright challenges. Non-fictional writing, including journalism, is protected by the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works. This means that reporters hold the “exclusive right of making and authorizing the translation of their works.”
Crowdsourced platforms often operate in a gray area when they don’t obtain permission for translations. However, initiatives like CNN’s partnership with Duolingo avoid this issue by using articles they already hold copyrights for.
Challenges in Crowdsourced Translation for News
Crowdsourced translations face hurdles like:
- Ensuring translations maintain journalistic accuracy and tone.
- Adapting stylistic differences between languages. For instance, English journalism tends to use shorter, punchier sentences, whereas other languages may rely on longer, more descriptive phrasing.
Benefits of Crowdsourced Translations for International News
Despite challenges, crowdsourcing translation offers several benefits:
- Expands access to global news by breaking language barriers.
- Reduces the cost of international reporting.
- Provides opportunities for language learners and volunteer translators.
Are News Translations Replacing Foreign Correspondents?
While news translations offer accessibility, they can’t fully replace the depth provided by foreign correspondents. However, as the news industry continues to adopt crowdsourced journalism platforms, the role of translators in newsrooms may evolve further.
How Crowdsourced Translations Impact International Reporting
Crowdsourced translation is reshaping global journalism by making diverse stories accessible to broader audiences. However, the balance between traditional journalism and crowdsourcing methods will determine the future of international news coverage.
