W13-What did I learn while editing Wikipedia?-SHAO TIANYI

 This experience taught me a lot—not just about the topic itself, but also about the process and responsibilities involved in contributing to Wikipedia.


First, I learned how important it is to use reliable sources and cite them properly. Wikipedia demands verifiability, so every fact or statement needs to be backed up by trustworthy references. This encouraged me to carefully check each source, ensuring the information I added was accurate and credible.


Second, I realized the challenges of translating specialized legal and cultural content. Terms related to law and government can be complex, especially when transferring them between languages. It required me to not only understand the source material deeply but also find the best way to express it clearly in Chinese, respecting both the original meaning and readability for the target audience.


Third, I gained a better understanding of how social change happens through legal systems. While researching Mexico’s journey toward legalizing same-sex marriage, I saw that change is often gradual, involving court rulings, legislative actions, and sometimes administrative decisions. This nuanced process gave me a new appreciation for the interplay between law, society, and human rights.


Finally, editing Wikipedia made me aware of the collaborative nature of knowledge sharing. Every edit contributes to a bigger picture, and others will continue building on the work. It’s rewarding to know that my efforts can help others learn about important issues in a language they understand.


In summary, editing Wikipedia is much more than just writing; it’s about research, translation, accuracy, and contributing to a global conversation. This experience has enhanced my skills and broadened my perspective, motivating me to keep participating in such meaningful projects.

Comments

  1. Lee JaehyunJune 17, 2025 at 12:27 AM

    I also felt a lot of experiences by editing Wikipedia. It’s a meaningful process that goes beyond writing—it requires careful research, source evaluation, and respect for language and context. I also found that translating complex topics, especially legal or cultural content, demands both precision and sensitivity to the audience. The collaborative aspect was inspiring; knowing that my contribution becomes part of a larger, shared effort is deeply motivating. Like you, I’ve learned that Wikipedia editing not only improves our knowledge-sharing skills but also connects us to a global community committed to truth and accessibility.

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