English Wikipedia
The English Wikipedia is the preeminent English-language edition of Wikipedia, a free-content, online encyclopedia designed, edited, and maintained by a global community of volunteer editors. It was established by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger on January 15, 2001. Since its inception, the English Wikipedia has grown to become the largest and most influential edition in the Wikipedia family, offering an expansive range of articles across diverse topics.
Foundation and Growth
Launched as part of the original Wikipedia project, the English Wikipedia has undergone numerous developments to streamline its operations, improve content accuracy, and facilitate user involvement. It is a core component of the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit organization that supports Wikipedia and other related projects.
The number of articles on the English Wikipedia has progressively increased, reaching millions, as evidenced by historical data. This growth reflects the collective efforts of a dedicated community to provide comprehensive, reliable, and neutral content in English.
Community and Governance
The governance of the English Wikipedia involves several mechanisms to ensure quality and resolve disputes. The Arbitration Committee serves as a judicial body to settle conflicts that arise within the community. This committee was first implemented on the English Wikipedia before being adopted by other language editions.
The English Wikipedia community is characterized by numerous forums, such as the Village Pump, which serves as a central platform for discussions regarding Wikipedia policies and technical issues. The Teahouse is another crucial space where new editors can pose questions and receive guidance.
Notability and Content Standards
Notability is a key criterion in determining whether a topic merits a dedicated article on the English Wikipedia. This standard ensures that the content is not only relevant but also verifiable through reliable sources. The principle of notability is integral to maintaining the encyclopedia's integrity and credibility.
Challenges and Bias
Despite its success, the English Wikipedia faces challenges such as gender bias, where contributions and subjects tend to be male-dominated. Efforts continue to address these biases and promote diversity and inclusivity within the community.
Related Language Editions
The English Wikipedia is closely related to other language editions, each contributing uniquely to the global dissemination of knowledge. For instance, the German Wikipedia and Japanese Wikipedia are significant counterparts, offering content tailored to their respective linguistic and cultural contexts. Additionally, the Simple English Wikipedia provides content in Basic English to cater to learners and individuals with varying levels of language proficiency.