As part of our mission to support the study of world languages, the LRC hosts events, offers volunteer opportunities, and provides resources for UMich students, staff, and faculty, as well as local community members interested in translation. Currently, our main initiatives on Translation are:
The Language Bank
The Language Bank, a volunteer-based organization providing free translations for community partners, with a focus on social justice. Click on the menu tab on the left to learn more about it, register as a volunteer, or submit a project.
Translate-A-Thon
The Translate-A-Thon is a yearly translation “marathon” where UMich community members come together for a weekend of translation, teamwork, and togetherness. Click on the menu tab on the left to learn more about previous events and to register for the next edition of TAT.
Academic Programs
At Translation @ UM, find out about projects designed in collaboration with the LRC that provide real world translation opportunities for students and how to find the coursework best suited for your translation journey - including a Minor or Graduate Certificate in Critical Translation Studies.
Translation Resources
As part of generating resources around translation technology, the LRC partnered with the University of Brasilia to produce a video series covering essential topics on the intersection of translation practice and technologies. Visit the Translation Tool Workshops subpage under the Translation Resources tab on the left to learn more about it and access the videos.
Need a translation?
We strive for excellence in our translations, but because our translations are done by volunteers, we cannot accept any legal or medical texts. For any documents that are non-legal, non-medical, and have a flexible deadline, please visit the Language Bank submission page. If you need a translation for a legal or medical document, please consult our Professional Translation Services page.
Want to volunteer?
Volunteering for the Language Bank is a great opportunity to use your language/translation skills! Projects are assigned to volunteers on a first come, first serve basis. Interested? Visit the Language Bank volunteer sign-up page to join the team!
Untranslatables
The LRC produces a series of magnets and stickers featuring "Untranslatable" words. These are words that don't have a direct translation into English but instead are described with a phrase and
illustration on our swag. You can learn the languages and pronunciations of our "Untranslatables" in this slideshow. Don't see your favorite untranslatable word? Tag us on Instagram with an illustration of your own!
Learn more!
Interested in learning more about what opportunities there are for translation at the University of Michigan? Visit the Translation @ U-M page for info!
This department has been granted free access to the Phrase Academic Edition, an academic program designed for universities with translation courses.
