“GenAI in Localization” Announces Call for Papers for December 2025 Online Conference
GenAI in Localization announced its Call for Papers for December 2025, inviting experts to share insights on AI, workflows, and language tech.
→ Continue ReadingUniversity of Michigan’s
Translate-A-Thon
T
he University of Michigan (U-M)’s Language Resource Center (LRC) hosted its 13th annual Translate-A-Thon (TaT) on October 18 and 19, 2024. The popular campus event opened with a keynote on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the language industry by Bridget Hylak, and also included sponsorships from MultiLingual Media and Bureau Works.
Over two days, the LRC became a bustling hub overflowing with talent and curiosity. U-M students and faculty, along with invited language professionals and elementary school students, volunteered to conduct 16 hours of translations to benefit the local, national, and international community. The group successfully advanced projects in 16 languages, while also building a stronger community translator volunteer network.
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TaT 2024 received requests from many organizations who might not otherwise afford or pursue translation services, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Justice InDeed, the Humane Society, Yale University Library, the County Shelter Association, the Food Gatherers, and the university’s own Sustainable Food Program. Projects included a “scam awareness” document from the U-M Division of Public Safety and Security and documents to support asylum seekers at Freedom House Detroit.
Though certain translations could be out of the league of certain volunteers, many requestors have no other resort. Moreover, from the localization perspective, requests from programs within the university itself might be solidly served by high-achieving bilinguals who understand the peculiarities of their own local “vibe,” as well as the particular nuances used on campus.
Between assignments, volunteers snacked on free food while discussing the intricacies of Latin American dialects or giggling amongst themselves about word choices, regionalisms, and language nuances. Others debated grammatical caveats or focused on video transcripts for eventual subtitling.
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Hylak was impressed, commenting, “I was flabbergasted by the quality and intentionality of the students. They are connoisseurs of this discipline; their questions were introspective and informed, both during and after the keynote. Redirecting students with this depth of talent into the profitable, career-building areas of our industry is essential. Otherwise, inexperienced bilinguals carelessly wielding language technology tools with no depth of knowledge or respect for language will be our lot.”
After the “thon,” all translators were welcomed to join the U-M Language Bank as volunteers for future projects. Go, Wolverines!
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