The role of simulacra in behavior-change communication. Anthony Pym

TL;DR

The speaker discusses their journey from comparative literature to translation studies, highlighting the importance of trust and engagement in practice. They explore the role of translation in behavior change communication and emphasize the need for trust and cooperation in collective action. The speaker also addresses issues of trust in translation and the impact of media on trust-building.

Transcript

i am really very grateful for this invitation although a little perplexed since i am not a great transmedial person i haven't worked extensively in that field and i'm not really a great semiotics person either i wonder why i'm here i have however i mean the the honor and the privilege of almost being in uh tartu as a student of comparative literatu... Read More

Key Insights

• 🔇 The speaker highlights the importance of trust and engagement in translation practice, particularly in behavior change communication.
• 🖐️ Media plays a significant role in building trust and attracting attention in communication acts.
• 🌐 The speaker emphasizes the need for collective and cooperative action based on trust to address global challenges.
• 💱 Behavior change communication depends on trust, and the development of trust is essential in conversations with trusted others.
• ❓ Distrust can be created through errors in translation and inconsistencies in messaging.
• 👥 Trust is crucial in cooperation between different interest groups and in facilitating a wider conversation for impactful decision-making.
• 🏛️ The speaker underscores the challenges of trust-building in translation, especially with the proliferation of misinformation and skepticism.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did studying semiotics and comparative literature shape the speaker's understanding of translation?

Studying semiotics and comparative literature introduced the speaker to the concept of signs and how they operate across different cultures and civilizations. This broadened their perspective on translation as a means of understanding and interpreting these signs.

Q: Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of engagement in practice?

The speaker believes that engagement in practice, such as working closely with translators and language policies, is essential for a deeper understanding of translation and its impact. It allows for a more practical approach that goes beyond abstract concepts and encourages active participation.

Q: How does the speaker view the proliferation of terms and turns in translation studies?

The speaker expresses skepticism towards the constant creation of new terms and turns in translation studies. They believe that it is more valuable to focus on identifying and solving real problems in society rather than getting caught up in theoretical abstractions.

Q: How does the speaker view the role of trust in behavior change communication?

The speaker believes that trust is crucial in behavior change communication, particularly in addressing global challenges such as pandemics and climate change. They emphasize the need for trust in expert knowledge and collective action to achieve desirable outcomes.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker reflects on their experience with comparative literature and how studying semiotics opened their eyes to the world of signs and cultures.

• They discuss the importance of trust and engagement in translation practice, particularly in behavior change communication.

• The speaker highlights the role of media and the need for collective action based on trust in addressing global challenges such as climate change and pandemics.