 Boundary objects in translation: the role of language in participatory system dynamics modelingEllis Ballard, Kelsey Werner and Pratiti Priyadarshini System Dynamics Review, 2021, vol. 37, issue 4, 310-332 Abstract: Participatory system dynamics modeling provides tools to represent and improve mental models through stakeholder participation. A hallmark of this approach is the creation and management models as boundary objects. With a proliferation of participatory modeling in diverse contexts, new methodological challenges have emerged around the role of language and translation. This article identifies a gap in the literature around the challenge of language, literacy, and linguistic translation in participatory modeling practice and examines examples from an emerging body of international practice. The authors present a case study that uses visuals to bridge multiple linguistic and literacy divides in workshops in rural India. The authors delineate a preliminary set of language configurations for boundary‐object engagement to clarify design choices of modelers and facilitators. They close with a discussion of the need to assess and document facilitation and language choices and propose opportunities to strengthen practical guidance for the field. © 2021 System Dynamics Society. Date: 2021 Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bla:sysdyn:v:37:y:2021:i:4:p:310-332 Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from Access Statistics for this article More articles in System Dynamics Review from System Dynamics Society |
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