Wikipedia Translation Guidelines for Machine Translation and LLMs
Translating content from one language to another is a vital part of expanding knowledge on the English Wikipedia. With the rise of Machine Translation (MT)—automated software that translates text from one language to another—and Large Language Models (LLMs), the process has become faster. However, maintaining the encyclopedia's quality requires a disciplined approach to ensure accuracy and legal compliance.
Using Machine Translation Tools
Tools such as DeepL and Google Translate serve as useful starting points for the translation process. However, they are not substitutes for human oversight. Translators are required to follow specific LLM translation guidelines, revising any errors and confirming that the final output is accurate. Simply copy-pasting machine-translated text directly into the English Wikipedia is prohibited.
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Ensuring Content Quality and Reliability
Not all source material is suitable for translation. To maintain high standards, you should avoid translating text that appears unreliable or is of low quality. When in doubt, verify the claims in the foreign-language article by checking the provided references to ensure the information is factual and well-supported.
Copyright and Attribution Requirements
Because Wikipedia content is licensed, proper attribution is mandatory. When you perform a translation, you must provide copyright attribution within the edit summary of your contribution. This is done by including an interlanguage link to the original source article.
For example, a model attribution edit summary would read: "Content in this edit is translated from the existing Spanish Wikipedia article at [[:es:Los Polvorines]]; see its history for attribution."
Additionally, you may notify other editors by adding the {{Translated|es:Article Name}} template to the article's talk page.
Key Facts
- MT Tools: DeepL and Google Translate are acceptable as starting points but require human revision.
- Verification: Low-quality or unreliable text should not be translated; use references to verify facts.
- Attribution: An interlanguage link to the source must be included in the edit summary.
- Documentation: The
{{Translated}}template can be used on the talk page for transparency.
| Requirement | Action Needed | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | Revise MT/LLM output manually | Prevent translation errors |
| Reliability | Verify source via references | Avoid low-quality content |
| Legal | Provide interlanguage link in edit summary | Copyright attribution |
| Transparency | Add {{Translated}} template to talk page | Inform other contributors |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I copy and paste directly from Google Translate?
No. Machine translation should only be used as a starting point. You must revise the text for errors and confirm its accuracy before adding it to the English Wikipedia.
What should I do if the source text seems unreliable?
You should not translate text that appears to be low-quality or unreliable. If possible, use the references provided in the original foreign-language article to verify the information.
How do I properly attribute a translation in the edit summary?
You must provide an interlanguage link to the source article. For example: "Content in this edit is translated from the existing Spanish Wikipedia article at [[:es:Article Name]]; see its history for attribution."
Is the {{Translated}} template mandatory?
While the edit summary attribution is required, adding the {{Translated}} template to the talk page is an optional but encouraged way to document the translation.
Where can I find more detailed guidance on this process?
For further instructions and comprehensive rules, refer to the Wikipedia:Translation page.