Online localization of zooniverse citizen science projects – on the use of translation platforms as tools for translator education

TLDR: The way in which online translation platforms can facilitate the process of training translators and Zooniverse, a website hosting a variety of citizen science projects in which everyone can take part, was used as an example of such a concept.

Abstract: This paper aims at describing the way in which online translation platforms can facilitate the process of training translators. Zooniverse, a website hosting a variety of citizen science projects in which everyone can take part, was used as an example of such a concept. The first section of this paper is focused on the history, idea and general description of the website. In section two the online translation platform, which is connected with Zooniverse, has been presented in detail with emphasis put on advantages and weak points. Ideas for practical application of Zooniverse’s localization platform have been outlined in section three. Results have shown that localization platforms hold a great potential in terms of providing training for trainee translators. This is mostly because they offer basic experience in terms of simple computer assisted translation technologies and access to translations into other languages that have been already submitted. They are also characterized by simplicity and accessibility, as the platform can be used from any place all over the world. Zo niverse can, therefore, be the basis for further research on how the potential of such websites can be harnessed for more effective translator training.