Using video and online subtitling to communicate across languages from West Papua

Alexandra Crosby, Tanya Notley

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    5 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    In this paper we examine mediated practices and experiences of online translation and subtitling. Our paper is based on a collaboration with EngageMedia − a not-for-profit organisation based in Australia and Indonesia − and is specifically focused on its work in West Papua. We argue that the video-hosting and online subtitling that is enabled through EngageMedia's websites, while mobilising West Papuan stories in a logical, relatively fast and organised manner, is embedded in a more messy socially-mediated translation process that occurs across shifting scales (local, national, regional, and global), and a range of cultures (online, offline, local, global, networked). By examining this socially-mediated process we identify the many ways in which ‘friction’ emerges and we conclude that for video to support multi-lingual, translational communication and activism, social and technological infrastructures need to be further developed to avoid ‘restrictive frictions’ and create ‘productive’ ones.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)138-154
    Number of pages17
    JournalAustralian Journal of Anthropology
    Volume25
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Using video and online subtitling to communicate across languages from West Papua'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this