Navigating the Borderlands of Transnational Research

Abstract

This article describes a journey to the borderland, a place in which I engaged and bridged opposite worldviews of my educational background in Rwanda and experience of my PhD studies in Canada to generate knowledge. The paper draws from my dissertation research grounded in a community healing program developed in post-genocide Rwanda and the factors that influenced its research methods and knowledge produced. This article highlights the power of dialogue, deep reflection and openness in transnational research. The paper recommends learning environments that invite different ways of knowing, interdisciplinary and transnational approaches to knowledge and giving voice to those silenced by written documents. The paper will be useful for educators, researchers and learners in cross-cultural and marginal settings.¹

Keywords:

• transnational research
• borderland
• compromise
• dialogue