Translation in cross-cultural research: an example from Bolivia

Abstract

Translation raises ethical and epistemological dilemmas inherent in cross-cultural research. The process of communicating research participants' words in a different language and context may impose another conceptual scheme on their thoughts. This may reinforce the hegemonic terms that Development Studies should seek to challenge. The article explores the idea that a reflexive approach to translation can not only help to overcome the difficulties involved in cross-cultural research, but also be a tool with which to deconstruct hegemonic theory. It addresses the epistemological and political problems in translation, techniques of translation, and the impact of translation on the author's own research, which is used to illustrate some of the ways in which translation can support deconstruction and highlight the importance of building a framework for talking with rather than for research participants.

Keywords:

• Gender and Diversity
• Methods
• Latin America and the Caribbean

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kate Maclean

[email protected]

Kate Maclean is a PhD candidate at the University of York, England. Her thesis, ‘Indigenous Women's Use of Microfinance: Social Inclusion and Citizenship in Bolivia’, is based on seven months spent living and working with microfinance beneficiaries in Luribay Valley in Bolivia, and is sponsored by the ESRC.