Guest user from 54.221.43.155    ToolsDiscussionPage History Translator

Open translation

TaoTao-Project aims to increase knowledge, availability and provide translations of classical works. Besides the library, dictionary and translator the open translation community was also established to make shared translation possible.

Collaborative translation

Group translation brings together different views and knowledge and provide important insights to the translation itself. Every page have own discussion pages to provide means of communication for translators. Dialog between translators, researchers and readers is a great way to improve the translations. Translators are also able to continue the translation of others. In field of Chinese medicine and Taoism it is common that those who know the sources best are not native English speakers. The native English speakers even without knowing Chinese are able edit and proofread the translations and thus contribute for successful translation.

Teachers of Chinese language or other fields of East Asian Studies are encouraged to inform their students about the project as a tool for their studies. And if possible reward some credits for translating texts in groups.

The history and changes are visible and every stage can be restored at any time. This makes it easier to follow work of other translators. This also guarantees that users do cannot totally destroys work of others. If too much differences in opinions arise it is possible to start new translation.

At the feet of Xuán Zàng

Title The idea of open translation evolved from admiration the translation work done by Buddhist monks during Táng-dynasty. The monks made huge contribution by translating the Buddhist scriptures brought from India. The most famous of these Buddhist monks was the legendary Xuán Zàng.

Other great inspiration for the open translation was the respect towards the open source movement. The programs produced by open source communities have made the TaoTao-Project possible without funding.