Jiří Podhorecký generously gives his time as a volunteer translator for DHIS2. As a native Czech speaker and an experienced translator for similar open-source software projects, Jiří is well suited to the task of translating the DHIS2 software into the Czech language. We had the pleasure of speaking to Jiří—a committed volunteer with expertise spanning a wide range of software projects—about his work with DHIS2.
How were you first introduced to DHIS2, and what inspired you to get involved in the community?
My involvement with DHIS2 began indirectly through voluntary work for Doctors Without Borders and contributing to the worldwide Missing Maps project, which maps disaster-stricken areas on public platforms. I’ve explored other software tools valuable to healthcare professionals, both abroad and in the Czech Republic, which led me to SORMAS (Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System) and several mHealth tools. For some, I’ve provided Czech translations, which are currently awaiting professional verification.
Before the pandemic, I had some familiarity with the digital health field, which deepened as the pandemic unfolded here in the Czech Republic. I witnessed the challenges of handling massive data sets and the well-intentioned but often unsuccessful attempts of IT professionals to introduce new systems. This experience made me steer clear of such endeavors and instead turn toward studying proven solutions from abroad.
Several aspects of DHIS2 particularly resonate with me. The philosophy behind DHIS2—a collective effort involving academia, developers, and the medical community. I value its potential for “community” deployment, which isn’t limited to national-level projects if circumstances demand otherwise. I also appreciate the creation of DHIS2 Academy courses based on the Open edX open-source learning platform. It’s great when a project integrates with other open-source initiatives. I appreciate as well that DHIS2 is designed for deployment in areas with unreliable internet.
You have been very active in translating DHIS2 into Czech. Can you share some insights from your experience?
Before I began translating DHIS2, I had other translation projects in progress on Transifex, which is the generic platform that is used for localization by DHIS2. This familiarity with the interface and process provided an advantageous starting point. However, taking on DHIS2 translation was a significant decision, given the project’s large scale, and the fact that the software is designed for use by organizations rather than individuals like myself.
Initially, familiarizing myself with the live application was incredibly helpful. I was pleased to see frequent development versions and demonstration deployments, as these are invaluable for translators who need to understand the strings in their proper context.
I consider Transifex a critical facilitator of translation. Having experience with other translation platforms, I can now better evaluate the efficiency of the work. I have several insights that could be valuable for discussion or future changes, which I have shared with the community. I hope that these insights could contribute to ongoing improvements in the DHIS2 translation process.
Looking at this more broadly, how do you see this in the larger context of software translation and localization?
There aren’t many translators for open-source software, largely due to the global dominance of the English language. It’s commonly assumed that users of widely-used applications will be proficient in English and can easily navigate English-based software, given its status as the standard in the tech industry. However, localization isn’t just about language translation. It’s particularly important in cases where there are local specifics, whether cultural, social, or professionally mandated.
Localization goes beyond mere language translation by addressing inconsistencies related to local cultural differences, work processes, and the needs of local workgroups that will use the software in a specific country. Professional translators primarily engage in translation rather than localization. While they do occasionally take on voluntary or pro-bono work, where compensation might come in non-monetary forms or through different channels, their main focus remains on commercial assignments. The rise of AI, which can handle a large volume of translation work, only exacerbates this issue.
The ongoing development of software with the help of an anonymous community doesn’t provide translators with the motivation or job security they are accustomed to, as professional translators are used to being fully accountable for their independent work. They are also used to having it used and credited within a certain framework, and this isn’t always the case with DHIS2. Tools like Transifex and GitHub formally allow for crediting, but these credits aren’t always visible to the public.
Throughout my experience with DHIS2 translations, significant portions of the source documentation have been reworked, archived, and redeveloped for new versions. This makes the translation work seem endless and unfinishable. Metadata translations and other support data can be subject to higher directives, which translators must adhere to.
Despite the challenges and ongoing changes in the DHIS2 translation work, I’m glad to contribute to this project and help make this valuable tool more accessible and relevant.
What do you think the potential impact of your DHIS2 translation work could be?
I am particularly interested in exploring the potential for implementing digital solutions with clear and relatable objectives, not just in healthcare, but also across various other sectors where DHIS2 has been effectively utilized. In a recent blog post, I posted my thoughts on DHIS2 and attempted to develop a local tech demo to help demonstrate how Czech epidemic data, particularly related to COVID-19, could be effectively managed using this system. Unfortunately, I faced challenges in finding suitable partners in taking this endeavor further, but having DHIS2 available in translation provides part of the foundation for its potential use in the future.
Do you have plans for further engagement in the DHIS2 community?
For DHIS2, I am prepared to continue translating text into Czech. While this effort may not be glamorous, it will aid others in completing the localization process more efficiently. Nevertheless, I take pride in being a contributor. Working with DHIS2, even in this capacity, aligns with my commitment to supporting valuable digital solutions.
While I can’t be an active member of professional or academic communities in the medical field due to my background and resources, I’m considering future special projects that could serve the public interest.