Localization Today

The Mayan Languages Preservation and Digitization Project is a wide-scope initiative that aims to provide resources for essential services to Mayan language speakers. This article describes the project’s efforts with the hope that it serves as a roadmap for all indigenous language communities.

Recorded live at the International Translation Forum in Riyadh, this episode brings together Eddie Arrieta and Mary Jane McCullough—CEO of Global Wordsmiths and lecturer in translation technologies at Carnegie Mellon—to explore how translation underpins Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Mary Jane shares her first impressions of the Forum’s warmth and purpose, discusses her panels on sustainable language accessibility and state‑of‑the‑art pedagogy, and reflects on integrating AI and social‑impact initiatives within a growing language services firm.

She also recounts her path from practitioner to entrepreneur and educator, offering practical advice on balancing cultural nuance, technological tools, and professional ethics in a rapidly evolving industry.

Recorded live at the International Translation Forum in Riyadh, this episode features Eddie Arrieta in conversation with Dr. Waleed Alsubhi—chairman of the Saudi Arabian Translation Association (SATA), head of translation projects, and assistant professor at the University of Jeddah.

They discuss how Saudi Vision 2030 has reshaped the localization landscape, from the establishment of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission to the launch of programs like Tergem and the Certified Translator exam.

Live from the International Translation Forum in Riyadh, Eddie Arrieta sits down with Sarah Robertson, CEO of the UK’s Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), who—after a 16‑month tenure—has already steered the 40‑year‑old body through rapid change. They trace her unlikely journey from architect and heritage NGO leader to helming ITI, explore her first impressions of the global language ecosystem, and unpack ITI’s vision for 2025 and beyond.

Sarah reveals how ITI is equipping both new graduates and seasoned practitioners with the technology, business skills, ethics and accreditation needed to thrive as translators and interpreters in an age of AI and cultural complexity.

Recorded live at the International Translation Forum in Riyadh, this episode brings together Eddie Arrieta and Gokhan Doğru—Turkish translator, technologist, and founder of Localization School. Over the course of their conversation, Gökhan traces his 15‑year journey from Istanbul’s translation department to PhD research in Spain and Ireland, and on to building an online training platform during COVID.

As the Nimdzi 100 approaches its next release, Marjolein Groot-Nibbelink, the former CEO of Multilingual Media, shares her new role leading the project. Marjolein discusses the importance of mid-market data, the role of AI in the industry, and how the Nimdzi 100 will continue to be a critical tool for localization professionals worldwide.

In this conversation, Will Rowlands-Rees, Chief AI Officer at Lionbridge, discusses the transformative impact of AI on the localization industry and the critical role of human expertise in embracing this evolution. He highlights Lionbridge's initiatives, including Aurora AI Studio and global data training efforts, showcasing the company's leadership in leveraging AI for operational efficiency and innovation. Will emphasizes the importance of empowering teams to lead AI rather than being directed by it, ensuring businesses stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

In this conversation, Alexandra Feeley, Director of Market Development at Oxford Languages, shares her take on the company's mission to digitalize under-resourced languages and how they are paving the way for better localization through language data.

She discusses the importance of authoritative language resources, the challenges of working with underrepresented languages, and the role of AI in enhancing localization. Alexandra also highlights Oxford Languages' efforts to preserve cultural heritage and make digital experiences more accessible for non-native English speakers.

By Mimi Moore

In this interview, the organizers of Global Language Advocacy Days discuss their dedication to creating a world where language is valued as a fundamental right — central to identity, community, and access to essential services.

By Agustín Da Fieno Delucchi, Alfredo de Almeida, and Jorge Russo dos Santos

Traditional localization roles are morphing to meet the demands of an AI-powered, omnichannel world. In this article, the authors argue that successful localization professionals will find ways to meld their linguistic and cultural expertise with technical literacy to maximize the power of AI.