The episode explores how culture, traditional knowledge, the arts and language shape how people in Africa think about the world, and how much formal science communication is still delivered in European languages. Reporter Halima Athumani speaks with African language experts about the practical challenges and opportunities of translating scientific terms and of ‘decolonising’ scientific practice.
The programme follows a practical approach: it shows ways to adapt words and concepts and discusses how communities can take part in shaping a shared scientific vocabulary. Science communicator Sibusiso Biyela appears and describes how science fiction influenced his decision to work in science communication. Advocates suggest that translating terms and changing practice could help more people understand scientific findings and join research and policy debates, although it is not yet clear how quickly such changes can spread across languages and institutions.
The programme Africa Science Focus is presented by Michael Kaloki. It was funded by the European Journalism Centre through the European Development Journalism Grants programme, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Listeners can send questions by WhatsApp to +254799042513. The episode is available on common podcast platforms:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Google Podcasts
- Stitcher
- iHeartRadio
- Pandora
The piece was originally published on SciDev.Net and highlights local work and concrete steps that aim to widen access to science.
Difficult words
- culture — Shared beliefs, arts and social practices
- traditional knowledge — Longstanding local skills and understandings
- science communication — Ways of explaining scientific ideas to public
- decolonise — Remove colonial influence from practicesdecolonising
- translate — Put words or ideas into another languagetranslating
- vocabulary — Set of words used for a subject
- advocate — Person who publicly supports somethingAdvocates
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What are the advantages and possible challenges of translating scientific terms into local languages in your region?
- How could including communities in creating a shared scientific vocabulary change public participation in research and policy?
- The programme mentions ‘decolonising’ scientific practice. What practical steps could institutions take to support this idea locally?
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