Actor-Network Theory in Intercultural Communication: Translation through the Prism of Innovation, Technology, Networks and Semiotics

The aim of this article is to discuss the place of the Actor-Network Theory in intercultural communication. To narrow the scope of the research, the author concentrates on the role of participants in one type of intercultural exchange, namely in translation. Thus, such issues as translator(s), translation, languages, texts and units are given a detailed study in this article. An attempt will be made to show how ANT is useful in this area of crosscultural communication. Hence, those taking part in the translation process, both human and nonhuman entities, are treated as an ecosystem, being a place for technological innovation. DOI: 10.4018/jantti.2009062304 IGI PUBLISHING This paper appears in the publication, International Journal of Actor-Network Theory and Technological Innovation, Volume 1, Issue 4 edited by Arthur Tatnall © 2009, IGI Global 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Hershey PA 17033-1240, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.igi-global.com ITJ 5367 54 International Journal of Actor-Network Theory and Technological Innovation, 1(4), 53-69, October-December 2009 Copyright © 2009, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. Intercultural communication involves the interaction of people speaking different languages. Thus, translation and interpretation constitute a crucial element of this process. In this article, the term ‘translation’ is used to denote all the activities necessary to provide people with a message in their or other languages that are known to them. We should bear in mind that translation involves not only people. Even those not aware of the nuances of every translation process know that translators do not work in isolation, and both the process and the product, e.g. a text, as well as the translators themselves, are influenced by other elements constituting any translation network. To discuss this feature in depth, the notion of an ecosystem will be adopted.