
The role of translation in scientific communication
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the weaknesses of healthcare systems all over the world, not only in terms of healthcare delivery, but even more so regarding effective health information dissemination. The critical role of science communication in battling misinformation and disinformation amidst the still-ongoing public health crisis is currently being more greatly emphasized than ever. The scientific industry should acknowledge, above all else, how difficult it is for the common citizen to fully understand the complexities of science, especially with its rabbit hole of jargons and terminologies. What’s considered everyday language for scientists may come off as merely egoistic gibberish for the general public, thereby affecting science literacy as a whole. The problem does not lie in an alleged lack of available information because, frankly, the amount of scientific knowledge is growing exponentially with every passing second thanks to the work of researchers and writers in journals around the world. It is just that science is a language not spoken by many, and to get your message across, you’ll have to learn how to translate effectively. The definition of translation is vast, and across the millennia, has been interpreted differently in both linguistic and cultural paradigms. In John Cunnison Catford’s “A Linguistic Theory of Translation,” he defines the word as a process of substituting a text from one language into another, therefore solidifying the argument that it heavily relies on linguistics and determining the relationship between two languages. Andre Levefere, however, in his book “Translation, Rewriting and the Manipulation of Literary Fame,” suggested that it is more than just linguistics, but also takes into consideration ideology and poetics. When one translates, you are not merely translating text, you are translating culture. It is, therefore, safe to say that translation is both an art and a science. Translation in science communication entails teaching the scientific community to embrace a more inclusive language and skill set that allows for both their ways of speaking and writing to be more catered to the masses. It is meant to transcend or break down barriers, both language and cultural, to relate to the audience. Ultimately, it not only has to be simplified, but also engaging and interesting for the average reader. The problem with communicating science in general is the audience’s reluctance to hear an unfamiliar concept that may challenge their existing worldview. Translation helps alleviate this tension by creating an environment that is safe and likened to the receiver’s comfort zone, thereby increasing their probability of listening and their willingness to understand.

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