State of the Map/Planning/Language guidelines

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OpenStreetMap is a global project but for an effective conference we recognise that, for planning and presenting, a reduced set is required. We recommend "ideally English" as this is a language that is widely spoken by our audience. Recognising that we cannot translate into all languages, we focus on the official languages of the host country and English.

External communications

The main language is English but when drafting the text we should:

  • Use simple language and avoid colloquialisms. Proverb's/sayings often do not translate well. Although we have no formal guidelines Basic English seems to be a good starting point.
  • Aim to translate blog posts.
  • Accept that social media (including Twitter) is more relaxed so alternate languages, including those beyond the official languages of the host country, are fine.

Presentations

We recommend "Ideally" English as this is a language that is widely spoken by our audience. If presenters are uncomfortable speaking in English then we are willing to run a few slots in the official languages of the host country.

Similarly for the "Call for session proposals" form we recommend that proposals are submitted in English, but will accept any official languages of the host country. These proposals will get translated to English so that we can consider all talks as one team.

Using translators alongside presenters is an idea we are open to, but will require volunteer support. If this is something a presenter is interested in then we encourage them to contact us early.

Scholarship form

Providing translated versions (in the official languages of the host country) of the scholarship application form is desirable however it is low priority. This is because most talks will be in English so having the form in English is probably okay (although we should check simple language has been used). Scholars are welcome to complete the form in English or the official languages of our host country. We translate the submissions in to English and assess them all as one team.

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