The Nimdzi Lessons in Localization series highlights the largest, most innovative, and most successful globalization programs in the world.
A lesson by Hannah Leske.
About Amnesty International
Founded in 1961 by English lawyer Peter Benenson, Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that campaigns for human rights. It is one of the longest-running international human rights organizations, behind only the International Federation for Human Rights and the Anti-Slavery Society. The organization lobbies governments and companies to end human rights abuses and improve the lives of marginalized groups.
Today, Amnesty International has more than 10 million supporters and is present in over 150 countries and territories.
Amnesty International plans to continue advocating for justice until everyone’s rights are recognized. In the words of Peter Benenson, “Only then, when the last prisoner of conscience has been freed, when the last torture chamber has been closed, when the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a reality for the world’s people, will [Amnesty’s] work be done.”
Nimdzi spoke to Lucio Bagnulo, Head of Translation in the Amnesty International Language Resource Centre, about the organization’s localization program and its impact on global justice and freedom.
TL;DR
Regional offices with on-the-ground language experts: A decentralized (or “networked,” as it is referred to internally) system allows the localization team to better coordinate translations within the designated regions.
Unlimited range of languages: In order for its work to have the greatest impact, Amnesty International localizes content into a wide range of regional languages, with virtually no limitations on the possible target languages.
Long-standing localization team and focus on long-term collaboration with external partners: Having translators who understand the organization’s terminology and style is important, so the enduring relationships are valued.
Ambitious plans to measure translation impact: Monitoring the real impact of localization within the organization is something that Lucio is working toward.
Fast facts
Included in this lesson in localization
- Program overview
- Culture
- Organization
- Languages
- Project and process management
- Supply chain
- Quality control
- Technology
- Interesting initiatives
This has been a preview. The full Amnesty report can be accessed online by Nimdzi Partners.
Who should we feature next?
Special thanks to Lucio Bagnulo, Head of Translation at Amnesty International for sharing a valuable lesson in localization.
This Lesson in Localization was prepared by Nimdzi's Localization Researcher, Hannah Leske. If you wish to learn more, reach out to Hannah at hannah@nimdzi.com.
