Multilingualism is a priority area for the common European data space for cultural heritage. While a small number of stories have been published on europeana.eu in a variety of European languages beginning more than a decade ago, in recent years, we've been working to improve these numbers. Since 2022, we've added more than 1,200 translations and improved the proportion of stories published in more than one language five-fold.
One important way that these improvements have been achieved is through student projects. Collaborating with universities that offer translation studies courses, Europeana is able to offer students real-world practice and experience in translation while they in turn help diversify the languages represented across digital cultural heritage.
Projects in Ireland, Greece and Poland
Over the past few years, we've worked with University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland, the University of Warsaw in Poland and the University of Thessaloniki in Greece. By collaborating with lecturers on the projects, we aim to benefit students, university staff and Europeana audiences alike.
Each project has taken a different approach. With UCC, for two consecutive years, as part of the university programme’s Work-Integrated Learning in Translation and Localisation module, students created their own simulated translation bureaus to manage, execute and deliver translation projects in line with key aspects of the European and international standards for translation services (EN 15038, ISO 1700).
During that time, 16 students worked on 13 stories, adding translations in six languages: French, German, Greek, Irish, Italian and Spanish.
As Estefanía Muñoz Gómez, from the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures in UCC, explains, 'By translating Europeana stories, students have had the opportunity to gain practical experience in the core roles and processes involved in language services, and develop professional competences in an integrated manner. Not only are they able to work with authentic content with a genuine audience and purpose, but do so in semi-realistic circumstances, responding to the needs of an external client, managing deadlines and quality requirements, dealing with feedback, budgeting and negotiating with contractors.'
With the University of Warsaw, Professor Marta Kaźmierczak, Associate Professor Institute of Applied Linguistics, invited several teams of 40 students to each translate a text – with a competition to choose the winning translation. As she explains, the translations were graded by the quality of the translation of individual sections, with bonuses for successful individual solutions.
Students' learning and reflection
The students themselves also recognise the benefits gained from their projects.
Katerina Bizirtsaki worked on a project at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, led by Dr. Kyriaki Kourouni, Department of Translation and Intercultural Studies – translating two texts, including one titled 'Did Picasso steal the Mona Lisa?' which she translated into Greek. Katerina says, 'Participating in this student project was really important for me because it bridged the gap between my academic studies and real-world experience. The project was my first opportunity to put my skills to the test and act as a real translator, something which boosted my confidence in myself and my skills.'
Sarah Guckian, who worked on the UCC project, reflected that 'translating for Europeana was a wonderful experience. It offered us the chance to really apply everything we had learned throughout our MA programme. Not only did we learn how to manage timelines and practice quality checks, but it offered a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in European history and culture from across the continent – it was a true highlight of the programme!'
Emilia Sellin, Julie Fougnies Sanchez and Esther Oar Arteta Estebanez, agreed, adding that 'collaborating with the Europeana Foundation was a great opportunity to see our translation work published!' Among their project work, Emilia translated a story on fashion designer Sybil Connolly into German, while Esther translated one focusing on gymnast Nadia Comăneci into Spanish.
The point made by Emilia, Julie and Esther is important to note – each student is credited as translator for any of the stories published on europeana.eu which they have translated. As they start their careers in the field of professional translation, this offers them tangible published work to share with potential clients or employers.
Estefanía Muñoz Gómez reflects that 'the collaboration with Europeana has significantly enhanced student learning across all competence areas outlined in the European Master’s in Translation Competence Framework for translator training, in addition to building confidence, strengthening decision-making and problem-solving skills, and fostering responsibility, initiative and creativity.'
Through these projects, and our wider goals around multilingual stories, Europeana is committed to making it easier for people – especially younger generations – to benefit from our rich and diverse cultural heritage. It is an important criteria that these projects be reciprocal and beneficial for all.
Access to multilingual stories continues to be a priority for us going forward. If you are inspired by these projects and would like to discuss a potential project with us, email [email protected].