The language services industry is growing rapidly, and BYU’s translation and localization minor prepares students to grow with it.
When most people think of translation, they picture an internet browser open to Google Translate, but at BYU, students studying translation and localization are learning that language interpretation requires more than just a simple search. BYU’s program—one of the very few in the US—equips students with a versatile skillset and deep understanding of language in preparation for a language-focused career.
A Versatile Program
The program prepares students for careers in two distinct fields. Translation is conversion from one language to another. Localization involves adapting content to fit the specific linguistic and cultural environment of a particular region. For example, Argentina and Columbia are both Spanish-speaking countries, so translating for these regions would simply mean translating media into Spanish. Localization, however, accounts for the specific dialects and cultures within each of these regions.
The program also prepares students to become project managers in the translation and localization industry, according to Professor Yvon LeBras (French Language and Culture), the minor’s program coordinator, who says the program adapted to include instruction on those skills. Nicholas Paz (Linguistics, French Studies ’26) originally enrolled in the minor with the intent to become a translator, but he soon realized his passion was in project management. He now works as a project manager for BYU Speeches and feels the program has prepared him well for his position. “Every class I’ve taken in the minor, from project management to computer-assisted translation tools to the internship, has really opened my eyes and helped me get a better understanding of what I’m getting myself into in the industry,” Paz says.
A Changing Industry
Most of the classes in the program are taught by professionals working in the language services industry, which gives students unique insight into the field. Adjunct Faculty Adam Youngfield (Translation and Localization) leads the AI strategy team for publishing at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and teaches courses about project management and advanced technology. In his project management course, students work on a project that showcases their skills in translation and localization and can be used as a portfolio piece. Past projects have included creating an app for interpretation practice, localizing a children’s book, and adapting a card game for specific geographical regions.
Youngfield also works with students in preparing them to learn technology in the industry, especially with the growing use of AI tools in field. “The landscape for translation is shifting really rapidly,” Youngfield says. “I think it’s been impacted more directly and obviously by AI than some fields, and so I really focus on trying to teach my students skills that will keep them on the cutting edge in terms of AI use.”
Bridging Cultures Through Communication
Even though the landscape of translation and localization is changing, it continues to be a discipline that connects people and cultures across the globe. “If anyone has an idea that’s worth sharing and they want to share it outside the breadth of their own culture, then they need to have it translated,” Youngfield says.
Paz agrees, saying translation creates bridges of understanding across cultures. “It’s about cross-cultural communication, crossing boundaries, and being able to interact with people,” he says. “It’s something that brings us together and really breaks down walls of division.”
Learn more about the translation and localization minor here.