The Art of Translating Science

It's best to admit it straight away: the title of this article is a trick! “The Art of Translating Science” can lead down two different paths, or better yet, attract different public audiences. 

The first, more common, is to bait the reader interested in understanding how scientific discovery can best be communicated, the second is interested in the linguistic aspects of translating scientific content from one language to another.

Which is your case? Maybe both?  

We'll talk about both, mixing them, because translating science is truly an art and embraces many nuances. Everything starts with communication strategies, much earlier than worrying about language aspects. Indeed, it begins with curiosity!

Scientific Communication: Bridging the gap

Every day, thousands of articles are released online. Discoveries in health, environmental conservation, and technology that carries on the promise of changing our lives and the future.

But are you able to read them and understand what they are about, the heart of the matter, even if it is in your mother language?

Intricate language and complex concepts inherent in scientific literature often create a barrier between researchers and the general public.

The art of translating science is essential in bridging this gap, ensuring that groundbreaking research is accessible and comprehensible for everyone.

The Challenges in the Language

You must agree that the purpose of a scientific article should be to reach society, bringing information. Behind this communication goal, is the matter of language choices.

Scientific jargon is necessary for precision and clarity within the scientific community. It includes dense prose, many pages of content, theoretical concepts, specific textual structures, and notorious use of specialized language. It’s part of the “academic game”.

However, effective science communication requires the ability to distill complex information into clear, concise, and engaging narratives without sacrificing accuracy.

How so?

The Role of the Science Communicator

Here arises the role of the Science Communicator. 

Science communicators serve as intermediaries between researchers and the public. Their job is to take complex scientific information and present it in a way that is both understandable and attractive. 

Instead of using the term “photosynthesis,” a translator might explain it as “the process by which plants use sunlight to produce energy and transfer it through food to other consumers.” 

Okay, photosynthesis may sound already too familiar to you, but it is not the same for other people and not the same for more complex subjects. 

This kind of sensible translation not only makes the concept more accessible but also helps the reader understand the underlying process in familiar terms.

What does the art of translation science require from a professional translator?

Breaking down multi-syllabic technical terms into everyday words or finding appropriate analogies that convey the same idea are important in this job. 

A skilled science communicator must possess a deep understanding of the subject matter and the ability to identify the core message that needs to be conveyed. 

Careful reading and interpretation of scientific papers are necessary, as well as the ability to ask insightful questions and seek clarifications from researchers when necessary. What problems does this paper want to address? Do the results reach this and is it compatible with the data exposed? What are the conclusions?

In summary, involves a list of tasks accomplished by a scientific translator and science communicator, such as:

• Understanding the questions the research wants to answer
• Simplifying the scientific language 
• Mastery of languages (scientific, and the pair of languages involved if is the case)
• Contextualizing the findings within their implications for society
• Planning the use of graphics, images, and photos that help tell the story
• Addressing the cultural context of the target audience and language (localization)

Note that the roles of a science communicator (who could be a journalist) and a translator (who could be a linguist) end up meeting and forming a single multifaceted professional.

The Investment in Storytelling

Storytelling abilities are also important. One of the most effective tools in the science communicator's arsenal is storytelling.

By framing scientific discoveries as compelling narratives, communicators can capture the attention of their audience and make the information more memorable. 

Humans love stories and are naturally drawn to them. This sensible touch is something AI still cannot achieve.

For example, rather than just bringing the data explaining how transitioning to a sustainable car-free city leads to a higher quality of life, why not attach examples of regions where this already happens? Bringing testimonials, and accessible comprehension.

This personalizes the science, making it relatable and highlighting its real-world impact.  

A disclaimer should be made: translating science does not mean creating a dumb version of the original content. 

Translating from Norwegian to French could be necessary not because one language is better or richer than another. Each has its particularities. 

You do not expect an odontologist to have the same comprehension of ecosystem interaction as an ecologist. They live on different sides of the same cities, meaning they internalize the world from different lenses. What scientific translators do is create a bridge between these domains, enabling the circulation of information.

References:

SAFFRAN, Lise. Scientific American. The Art of Translating Science. Available at: https://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/observations/the-art-of-translating-science/ 

OSBOURN, Annie. National Center for Writing. Translating Science. Available at: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/norwich-unesco-city-of-literature/projects/translating-science/