A Scene from the Borderlands of Translation, Transcendence, and Communicability

ABSTRACT

This article presents an autoethnographic account of a scene that unfolds at the airport. In the scene, a practical problem is solved despite limitations in communication, and the scene plays out in front of a waiting area full of travelers. It centers around an elderly couple who are confused and disoriented in the midst of a predicament, and who are not fluent in English. A gate agent and another traveler who both speak Spanish help the couple manage the situation and find a solution, but there remains mystery and confusion when the scene ends. The account demonstrates communication as translation, transcendence, and communicability, showcasing the ability to bridge differences through communication and solve practical problems despite being inherently divided. It also occupies a space that can be considered borderlands, and overall offers a critical and reflexive cultural translation that reflects upon the way we perceive the other.

KEYWORDS:

• Cultural translation
• autoethnography
• transcendence
• communicability
• borderlands

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Noah Franken

Noah Franken is an assistant professor of Communication Studies at West Texas A&M University where he writes mostly about identity and communication during times of change, and has covered topics related to popular culture, music, and golf.

Nancy Garcia

Nancy Garcia is an assistant professor of Media Communication and student news media adviser at West Texas A&M University. Her research interests include journalism education, experiential learning, and knowledge management.