George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Feb 09, 2018 5:02 PM
Replying to Eric Simms
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We should write all posts in some common language, be it English or another language. I think we all learn most from seeing many different people's perspectives about a subject. Without a common language posts will generate less participation, and the site's overall effectiveness will diminish significantly.
Eric - I guess what you mean is that the thread should be in a single language right? Regardless of the language you post the discussion, answers should be done in the same language.
Is that what you meant?
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1 reply by Eric Simms
Feb 13, 2018 3:58 PM
Eric Simms
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Actually, I meant we should use a single language on the entire site for the sake of consistency. If every thread was in a different language I think it would discourage people from participating on the site, for they wouldn’t be able to easily read most of the thread. Instead of having to deal with one language, people would have to deal with dozens. Also, I can't imagine how the search engine would return effective results when a person searches for a term in one language across thousands of threads in dozens of languages. That said, people should feel free to post in whatever language they want, but should keep in mind that doing so will probably result in many people skipping over it, since there are so many other threads to read. Given the ease of using translation tools like Google Translate, I don’t see why users can’t type their post in their native language, translate it, then post the English version. I commonly carry on detailed and lengthy real-time instant messaging discussions with a French-speaking friend of mine using Google Translate, so I know it can work well for our purposes on this site. Personally, I enjoy the posts in different languages. I want to work in a global environment, so I appreciate the language practice.
Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Feb 09, 2018 4:51 PM
Replying to Anish Abraham
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I agree with Dinah on this.
If the question is written in a language other than English, you may not get lot of responses.
Dinah / Anish - I think is not about the language but the type of discussion posted. I consider worth the gain if there is an interesting topic that a non-native speaker wants to post, he/she should go ahead and post it.
If it is good enough, we could generate an English version of the thread, for the benefit of those that do not speak that native language. (this is just an idea) Saving Changes...
Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
Feb 13, 2018 2:45 PM
Replying to George Lewis
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Eric - I guess what you mean is that the thread should be in a single language right? Regardless of the language you post the discussion, answers should be done in the same language.
Is that what you meant?
Actually, I meant we should use a single language on the entire site for the sake of consistency. If every thread was in a different language I think it would discourage people from participating on the site, for they wouldn’t be able to easily read most of the thread. Instead of having to deal with one language, people would have to deal with dozens. Also, I can't imagine how the search engine would return effective results when a person searches for a term in one language across thousands of threads in dozens of languages. That said, people should feel free to post in whatever language they want, but should keep in mind that doing so will probably result in many people skipping over it, since there are so many other threads to read. Given the ease of using translation tools like Google Translate, I don’t see why users can’t type their post in their native language, translate it, then post the English version. I commonly carry on detailed and lengthy real-time instant messaging discussions with a French-speaking friend of mine using Google Translate, so I know it can work well for our purposes on this site. Personally, I enjoy the posts in different languages. I want to work in a global environment, so I appreciate the language practice.
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1 reply by George Lewis
Feb 13, 2018 9:36 PM
George Lewis
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Eric - Interesting comments, the question is: why would PMI encourage French, Portuguese and Spanish webinars?
Just a thought to think about... :))
Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Feb 13, 2018 3:58 PM
Replying to Eric Simms
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Actually, I meant we should use a single language on the entire site for the sake of consistency. If every thread was in a different language I think it would discourage people from participating on the site, for they wouldn’t be able to easily read most of the thread. Instead of having to deal with one language, people would have to deal with dozens. Also, I can't imagine how the search engine would return effective results when a person searches for a term in one language across thousands of threads in dozens of languages. That said, people should feel free to post in whatever language they want, but should keep in mind that doing so will probably result in many people skipping over it, since there are so many other threads to read. Given the ease of using translation tools like Google Translate, I don’t see why users can’t type their post in their native language, translate it, then post the English version. I commonly carry on detailed and lengthy real-time instant messaging discussions with a French-speaking friend of mine using Google Translate, so I know it can work well for our purposes on this site. Personally, I enjoy the posts in different languages. I want to work in a global environment, so I appreciate the language practice.
Eric - Interesting comments, the question is: why would PMI encourage French, Portuguese and Spanish webinars?
Just a thought to think about... :)) Saving Changes...
This question address an issue that has multiple layers of complexity.
On the surface, we are all aligned with inclusivity and diversity. With sincerity. There is - and there should be - no qualms about content in multiple languages. We are all grateful to receive viewpoints from many disciplines, many industries, and many cultures.
If we go one level deeper, however, we have the issue that's pinpointed by Eric with great clarity. If I were to submit a post in Hindi, I would automatically exclude a large chunk of the community - translation tools simply will not provide the impetus of my message.
The question is: Is there any benefit in posting in a non-common language in this scenario? What is my end objective?
If my end objective is to get as varied a viewpoint as possible from the huge roster of experts we have on this site, then it falls upon me to express my views in a language that's commonly understood by my audience.
If my end objective is simply to transmit a message (without too much emphasis on how it is received by the larger community or on feedback from this community), then I have the freedom to post in my language.
As Mayte notes, there's no hard and fast rule for this - it is a choice left to the individual poster depending on what their agenda is for their postings.
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1 reply by George Lewis
Feb 15, 2018 7:46 AM
George Lewis
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Karan - interesting reply, I did read it in detail. Let me post your question again, and did not see anyone replying to it.
Mayte explain very nicely like there is no wrong or good about that the only thing you might limit your targeted audience, but sometimes it is more powerful to speak few words in a native language of that person because it is structured to hit the brain in such a way not same as he would translate it if the English is not his/her first language, I have raised this issue in a poll that if the PM speak more than one language please check that and comment.
I also have seen some materials here in not English language so back to the point our PMI and this site is international it is a global all PM can exchange knowledge here if you know what they are talking about then enjoy it other wise just carry on you have so many post to read in English
It is not necessary that everyone feels like you, it is a matter of choice if some one his only language is English what you say it is not his fault so I guess we welcome all participant and one important chapter in PMBOK is communication so just to ensure that they get the massage right.
@ Kiron as Mayte mentioned be careful with google translate I found it many times deceiving it helps if you know both language so you can cross check otherwise the percentage of correct translation is poor. Saving Changes...
Riyadh - I speak Spanish as my native language, I get around English good enough.
I try getting around Portuguese and hope to speak better French than my basic French today.
Sign languages should be on my plate but haven't get there yet.
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George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Feb 14, 2018 12:21 AM
Replying to Riyadh Salih
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Now George what other languages do you speak?
Riyadh - I speak Spanish as my native language, I get around English good enough.
I try getting around Portuguese and hope to speak better French than my basic French today.
Sign languages should be on my plate but haven't get there yet. Saving Changes...
I think post should be in any language. Webinars also provided there is an audience.
You may not have see at the bottom of the screen the TRANSLATE button. I have tested it and translation are real good (not perfect), that would require human intervention.
I don't think it can be use to post a question.
There are a few templates in other language than English.
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1 reply by George Lewis
Feb 15, 2018 7:22 AM
George Lewis
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Vincent, you're right... Templates, Downloads, webinars... there is all sort of other language items on the website.
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George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Feb 14, 2018 8:45 AM
Replying to Vincent Guerard
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I think post should be in any language. Webinars also provided there is an audience.
You may not have see at the bottom of the screen the TRANSLATE button. I have tested it and translation are real good (not perfect), that would require human intervention.
I don't think it can be use to post a question.
There are a few templates in other language than English.
Vincent, you're right... Templates, Downloads, webinars... there is all sort of other language items on the website.
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1 reply by Vincent Guerard
Sep 10, 2019 10:30 AM
Vincent Guerard
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Back to your question
I think people should post the question in their native language and in English.
The native version will be clearer since better control. We could translate it to our own language or English an see some variation or better translation.
The English version will get people interested in the subject generating more answers.
I have come across many questions here written in English and where translation using some automated system. I suspect the person didn't know much of English and posted as-is. So the original version could help.