Project Summary

● Client: American Institutes for Research (AIR)

 

● Service: Education Translation Services

 

● Language Pair: English → Arabic (UAE)

 

● Specialisation: Education Standards (Mathematics & Science)

 

● Volume: 542,916 words

 

● Website: air.org

 

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About the Company

The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is one of the world’s leading behavioural and social science research organisations. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AIR works to improve education, workforce development, health, and international development through evidence-based research and technical services. The organisation partners with governments, foundations, and educational institutions to advance learning outcomes and promote educational equity worldwide.

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Background

Renaissance Translations was approached by AIR following a client recommendation. The project involved translating UAE education standards—specifically mathematics and science curricula—into Arabic. With a total of 542,916 words, the scope was extensive and required specialist translators, strong project management, and seamless formatting. The work was commissioned by the UAE Ministry of Education, making accuracy, terminology consistency, and cultural relevance essential.

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Challenges

Large Volumes of Content

The project required translating more than half a million words within a defined timeline. Managing such scale while maintaining accuracy, quality, and client updates posed significant challenges.

Technical Mathematics and Science Content

The documents included complex mathematics and science terminology. Translators needed advanced subject-matter knowledge to ensure accurate rendering of formulas, equations, and technical concepts into Arabic without loss of meaning.

Consistency and Terminology Management

Given the technical nature of the material, strict terminology consistency was crucial. Without careful control, variations in key terms could lead to misinterpretation or confusion for students and educators.

Complex Formatting of Diagrams and Figures

The education standards featured numerous diagrams, charts, and visual elements. These needed to be mirrored in Arabic, including right-to-left alignment, while maintaining the integrity of the original content.

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Solutions

Effective Communication and Regular Updates

A dedicated account manager and project manager oversaw the entire project. They maintained regular communication with AIR, providing progress updates, addressing queries, and ensuring all client requirements were met.

Subject-Matter Expert Translators

We carefully selected linguists with proven expertise in mathematics, science, and education. This ensured technical accuracy, precise translation of formulas, and natural integration of subject-specific terminology.

Comprehensive Glossary Development

Our team built a glossary of over 1,200 validated terms in mathematics and science. This resource was shared across all linguists, editors, and reviewers, ensuring consistency and accuracy throughout the 542,916 words.

Desktop Publishing and Formatting Integration

Our in-house DTP specialists worked alongside translators to reproduce complex diagrams and charts in Arabic. This included adjusting layouts for right-to-left reading, reformatting scientific symbols, and ensuring the final files were fully publication-ready.

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Accomplishments

The project was successfully completed within the required timeline, meeting the high expectations of both AIR and the UAE Ministry of Education.

Key results included:

● 542,916 words of mathematics and science standards translated into Arabic with 100% on-time delivery.

 

● Development of a 1,200-term glossary, ensuring consistent use of technical terminology.

 

● Accurate rendering of complex formulas and scientific content by subject-matter experts.

 

● Seamless integration of diagrams and charts, adjusted for right-to-left Arabic formats.

 

● Positive feedback from AIR, noting both the accuracy of translations and the professionalism of project management.

 

This project strengthened our relationship with AIR and demonstrated Renaissance Translations’ capability to deliver large-scale, technical education translation services with precision and reliability. By combining subject expertise, rigorous terminology control, and high-quality desktop publishing, we ensured that the UAE Ministry of Education received translations that were accurate, consistent, and ready for direct use in the education system.

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Conclusion

This case study showcases Renaissance Translations’ expertise in handling complex, large-scale education translation services. By bringing together linguists with subject knowledge, robust glossary development, and expert desktop publishing, we delivered a project that met the highest academic and professional standards.

Whether translating curricula, assessment materials, or policy documents, our team supports ministries of education, research institutions, and global NGOs in making educational content accessible across languages and cultures.

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