Addressing Outdated Korean Python Docs: Proposal for Maintainership and Community-Driven Updates

Dear Documentation Team,

I am writing to discuss the current state of the Korean translation of docs.python.org and propose a plan to revitalize and improve the local translation process. I have also joined the documentation Discord channel to discuss this issue further and explore it, especially in the context of the PEP 545 modifications, which I’m reviewing as a PSC member.

The Korean translation of docs.python.org was originally led by a single person, and I truly appreciate his dedication and contributions. (GitHub - python/python-docs-ko: Korean translation of the Python documentation)

However, the project hasn’t been actively maintained for several years, and the translations are now outdated.

As a Python core developer based in Korea, my goal is to establish a proper management system that is sustainable and community-driven. In the short term, I would like to gain maintainer access to the python-docs-ko repository, so I can grant permissions to the Python Korea user group admins and enable them to lead the translation project—for example, by organizing contributors or making significant progress during the PyCon Korea sprint.

In the mid-term, I believe this is not just a Korean translation issue—similar challenges may exist in other language communities as well. So before we design a more formal governance structure(it’s not about the current PEP modification issue), I’d like to propose that non-Korean-speaking core developers and the documentation team also get involved in this discussion. I believe language skills shouldn’t be a barrier when it comes to creating healthy and sustainable governance policies.

@kwonhan, who is currently a PSF Director and also an admin of the Korean user group, is interested in this topic. I think we have a great opportunity to build a collaborative model between the local community and the central documentation team—one that could later be adapted by other language groups if they face similar issues.

We’re hoping to resolve the outdated status of the Korean translation within this year.
Please let me know if you’re interested in supporting or discussing this further! :slight_smile:

Best regards,

Donghee

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I think it is reasonable for core developers with fluency in the local language to be added as maintainers to translation projects if they request to be added. I would also support adding @kwonhan to the repo now as well.

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@corona10 Do you want to open an issue on that repo suggesting that both of you be given maintainer rights for the translation? I think that it is a reasonable ask for Python infra.

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Yeah sure :slight_smile:

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Hello, My name is Emmanuel Wonsuk Yang, and I am an NLP researcher with a focus on low-resource languages, particularly in Asian and African regions.

About a month ago, I have sent an email for the python-mentorship group, but it is my first post, so if it is out of line, please let me know and please bear with me. I am deeply inspired by the Python developer community’s emphasis on innovation and problem-solving.

I am fluent in Korean and my first language is English (although I believe it is often rather broken).

I am particularly interested in automated translation techniques that can bridge linguistic gaps and empower underserved communities. As someone passionate about leveraging technology to create meaningful societal impact, I see immense potential in contributing to tools that enhance translation quality or assist with language resource development — areas where my expertise (could or might) align with the community’s goals.

If there are opportunities to assist with translation aid or quality assurance, especially during weekends, I would be delighted to help in any way I can. I’m eager to support the group in any way possible.

Thank you for your time and consideration. If there are any community guidelines or expectations I’ve missed, please feel free to guide me — I’m eager to learn and contribute effectively.

Best regards,
Emmanuel Wonsuk Yang

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we’ll make governance and let the people know.

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Welcome!

We welcome your contribution. For now, we are not encouraging generated translation since we would like to make sure that tone and style reflect local norms.

That said, I encourage you to work with those translating the Korean docs about the best way to help. Perhaps using generated translation as another reviewer of human translated PRs.

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Thank you very much for warm welcome.

Kindly noted - I would only use the generated translation (if there would be any) for some review purpose.

Again, thank you very much, I appreciate it.

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The Turkish project does the opposite, it has humans do the reviewing of machine translated strings. (Transifex allows for this nicely)

Note one of my proposed modifications was to ensure that translations are of a high standard and that un-human-reviewed translations are not pushed.

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