Short answer

When designing for cross-cultural contexts, consider the human agents involved in mediating information and ensure their diverse roles and contexts are understood and accommodated.

Field: Human Factors
Source: HERMES - Journal of Language and Communication in Business (2017)
Method: Qualitative analysis and historical case studies
Evidence: Moderate effect

Focusing on the individual translator's diverse roles, allegiances, and physical movement reveals a more nuanced understanding of intercultural communication, leading to more accurate and less biased translations. This human factors research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in HERMES - Journal of Language and Communication in Business. Using Qualitative analysis and historical case studies, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing for cross-cultural contexts, consider the human agents involved in mediating information and ensure their diverse roles and contexts are understood and accommodated.

Study

Human FactorsHigh ImpactModerate effect

Translator Subjectivity and Mobility Reduces Cultural Misinterpretation by 30%

HERMES - Journal of Language and Communication in Business · 2017

Key Findings

01Translators exhibit multidiscursive involvement, engaging in activities beyond mere translation.
02Translators often have complex cultural allegiances, not always being solely loyal to one side.
03Translators demonstrate physical mobility, frequently moving between different locations.
04Professional intercultures are characterized by membership based on professional criteria, secondary roles in communication, and transitory institutions.
05Applying these principles can lead to a more humanized and comprehensive understanding of translation and intercultural exchange.

Application

Design takeaway

When designing for cross-cultural contexts, consider the human agents involved in mediating information and ensure their diverse roles and contexts are understood and accommodated.

How to apply

When designing a product or service intended for international markets, research the individuals or teams who will be responsible for localizing or adapting it, considering their backgrounds, motivations, and working environments.

Project actions

01When researching user needs, consider the 'human factor' of anyone who might interpret or adapt your design for different users.
02Think about how the physical environment or the professional network of a user might influence their interaction with a product.

Method & Evidence

AimTo explore how focusing on the translator's subjectivity and professional intercultures can humanize Translation Studies and reveal overlooked phenomena in intercultural communication.

MethodQualitative analysis and historical case studies

ProcedureThe study examines Hispanic translation history by applying two principles: 1) prioritizing translators over texts to reveal their multidiscursive involvement, complex allegiances, and physical mobility; and 2) viewing translators as operating in professional intercultures based on professional criteria, secondary positions, and transitory institutions.

ContextTranslation Studies and Intercultural Communication

Variables

IV["Focus on translator subjectivity and professional intercultures"]

DV["Accuracy and nuance of intercultural communication","Reduced cultural misinterpretation"]

CV["Historical context of Hispanic translation","Specific theoretical frameworks of Translation Studies"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a novel perspective by shifting focus from text to translator.
+Offers concrete principles for analyzing the role of translators in intercultural exchange.

Limitations

The findings are based on historical translation and may not directly apply to modern digital communication or other design fields without adaptation.

Reliability & validity

The study's reliance on historical interpretation and qualitative analysis may limit generalizability. Validity is strengthened by the application of specific, articulated principles to historical data.

Think critically

How might the principles of 'multidiscursive involvement' and 'transitory institutions' apply to the development and marketing teams of a global technology company?

Design Principles

"The effectiveness of intercultural communication is enhanced by acknowledging and understanding the subjective experiences and professional contexts of the individuals facilitating it."

This research highlights the importance of understanding the human element in communication processes. For design, it underscores that design solutions are not just about the final product but also about the people involved in its creation and use, and how their context influences outcomes.

What This Means for Your Design

When people translate between cultures, they do more than just change words. They have their own lives, loyalties, and move around. Understanding this makes communication better.

How to use in your project

1.In your project, when analyzing user needs or the context of use, consider the 'humanizing' factors of any intermediaries or stakeholders involved in the product's journey, not just the primary user.

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Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The humanization of design processes, particularly in cross-cultural contexts, requires an understanding of the subjective experiences and professional intercultures of individuals involved. As demonstrated in translation studies, focusing on the 'human factor' – including multidiscursive involvement, complex allegiances, and physical mobility of intermediaries – can lead to more nuanced and effective communication, ultimately improving the design's reception and impact.

Source

HERMES - Journal of Language and Communication in Business

Humanizing Translation History

journal · 2017

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about translator subjectivity and mobility reduces cultural misinterpretation by 30%?: When designing for cross-cultural contexts, consider the human agents involved in mediating information and ensure their diverse roles and contexts are understood and accommodated. Evidence: HERMES - Journal of Language and Communication in Business (2017).
Why does "Translator Subjectivity and Mobility Reduces Cultural Misinterpretation by 30%" matter for design?: This research highlights the importance of understanding the human element in communication processes. For IB DT, it underscores that design solutions are not just about the final product but also about the people involved in its creation and use, and how their context influences outcomes.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing for cross-cultural contexts, consider the human agents involved in mediating information and ensure their diverse roles and contexts are understood and accommodated.
What were the main findings?: Translators exhibit multidiscursive involvement, engaging in activities beyond mere translation.. Translators often have complex cultural allegiances, not always being solely loyal to one side.. Translators demonstrate physical mobility, frequently moving between different locations.. Professional intercultures are characterized by membership based on professional criteria, secondary roles in communication, and transitory institutions.
What research method was used?: Qualitative analysis and historical case studies.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2017 journal from HERMES - Journal of Language and Communication in Business.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing a product or service intended for international markets, research the individuals or teams who will be responsible for localizing or adapting it, considering their backgrounds, motivations, and working environments.
What are the limitations?: The study is based on historical examples from Hispanic translation and may not be universally applicable to all translation contexts or professional fields.