Part of our mission at Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. (AFG, Inc.) is to serve our global fellowship by publishing our Conference Approved Literature in three languages: English, Spanish, and French. We also frequently receive inquiries about the process of translating and publishing in additional languages. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
- How long does it take for a title to be published in three languages?
After approval of the English manuscript, it is sent for translation. Translating a piece may take up to six months, depending on length.
- Who translates literature at the World Service Office (WSO)?
Our WSO Translation Team includes professional translators on staff and freelance translators who are bilingual in English and Spanish or French.
- Why are Spanish and French the only languages into which the WSO translates our literature?
AFG, Inc. is a trilingual organization. We are committed to publishing in English, Spanish, and French for our World Service Conference Structure. The WSO also works with international structures such as General Service Offices or Al-Anon Information Services to support translation into other languages.
- How are our books published in, say, Russian, Korean, or Italian?
All requests to translate Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature into other languages are submitted to the WSO and go through the process described in the article “CAL in Many Languages.”
- I am a member. I want to translate a book into my native language. How should I get started?
Al-Anon members may reach out to trusted servants in their national structures to initiate the process.
The Forum, April 2025
“Inside Al-Anon Family Groups” presents news, policy, and commentary from volunteers, staff and readers sharing experience through service. Please feel free to reprint these articles on your service structure website or newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.