Best Practice Guidelines for Co-designing Community Translations

The increasing interconnectedness of our world has highlighted the need for effective communication across languages, especially during times of crisis. Community translations play a crucial role in the creation of effective communication channels, however, the importance of not only linguistic accuracy but also cultural sensitivity and inclusivity cannot be overlooked. The principle of 'co-design', which aims to produce translations that are tailored to meet the specific needs of different multicultural groups, is now widely publicised as a preferred approach when commissioning translations in Australia. However, the implementation of such an approach is variable, calling into question quality assurance processes.
In this project, the current “AUSIT-FECCA Community Translation Guidelines” developed by the Australian Institute of Translators and Interpreters (AUSIT) and the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia (FECCA) will be reviewed with a view to assessing how these could be further developed to include a set of 'best practice guidelines' that would encompass the core principles of co-design, namely: inclusive; respectful; participative; iterative; outcomes focused.
By incorporating insights and perspectives from a diverse range of stakeholders, such as community organisations, NGOs, and LSPs, the resulting guidelines will not only aim to ensure accurate translations but also promote cultural relevance, inclusivity, and community ownership. The project also aims to investigate ways to inform users of translations when co-design methods have been used as part of a translation process, with a view to offering users insights into the implantation of the overall quality assurance process.
The project will be executed through a methodology that includes conducting a comprehensive analysis of current community translation practices, engaging with key stakeholders, developing a set of guidelines, and validating them through case studies. The deliverables of this project will include a comprehensive report, including best practices guidelines, with a proposed timeline of 6 months and a necessary budget allocation for research, community engagement, and honorariums for participants.