Translation & Knowledge (DP IB Theory of Knowledge): Revision Note

Translation & knowledge

• Translation is the process of expressing meaning from one language into another; it aims to keep the content as close as possible while adapting it to the rules and conventions of the new language

Loss and gain in translation

• Translation can involve loss of knowledge, because some meanings, associations or nuances do not transfer exactly between languages

  • E.g. a single word in one language may need a longer phrase in another, which can weaken its impact or change its tone

• Translation can also involve gain, because translators may add clarification to make an idea understandable for the new audience

  • E.g.adding brief context for a culturally specific reference so the reader can interpret it accurately

• Individual translators make choices that shape interpretation, because they decide which aspects of meaning to preserve when not everything can be kept

Untranslatable concepts

• An “untranslatable” concept is an idea that does not have a single equivalent word in another language, e.g.

  • Japanese has the word “komorebi”, which refers to sunlight filtering through leaves

  • “hygge” is a Danish word that refers to a cosy sense of comfort and togetherness

  • the German word “schadenfreude” means taking pleasure in someone else’s misfortune

• Untranslatability occurs because languages package experience into different categories, or because a concept depends on cultural context.

• When a concept is untranslatable, a translator may choose between:

  • borrowing the original word

    • e.g., the word schadenfreude is now commonly used in English writing

  • using an approximate term that changes the meaning slightly

  • replacing the word with a longer description

Translation in academic disciplines

• Academic translation aims to communicate specialist knowledge accurately, so precision and consistency of key terms are especially important

  • Many disciplines use technical vocabulary where small wording changes can change meaning

  • Some academic terms are “false friends”, where words look similar across languages but carry different meanings in the discipline

• Translators in academic contexts may prioritise:

  • preserving the exact meaning of technical terms

  • keeping definitions consistent across a text

  • adding clarifying notes where direct translation would mislead

• Translation affects what counts as evidence when research is shared globally, and misunderstandings can spread if key terms are translated inconsistently

Language as barrier or bridge

• Translation can act as a bridge by allowing knowledge to be passed between language communities, widening access to ideas

• It can also act as a barrier when poor translation, limited resources or lack of shared concepts prevent accurate understanding

• Who gets to translate can affect power, because translators and institutions decide which knowledge is shared, how it is framed and which voices are prioritised