Translating for Social Change: Advocacy Through Language

translation for social change

In a world where language barriers often produce inequality, translation emerges as a driver for progress and empowerment. It allows people to have a voice and advocate for their rights at local, national, or global levels. Translation for social justice therefore helps challenge systemic injustices and work toward a more equitable society.

Examples of Translation for Social Justice

Translation has become a powerful tool for enhancing social justice by giving people a voice and driving positive change. When using translation for social change, you can find yourself aiding the progress of human rights, equity and equality, and inclusivity, ultimately bridging cultural divides.

Some professions in which you can showcase advocacy through language include:

  • Law – Translators in this field must not only have knowledge of the legal system, but also cultural subtleties that influence the interpretation of legal texts. Within the legal system, translation helps to facilitate a clear understanding between all parties involved for a case, something that is essential to ensure just results can be obtained.
  • Literature – In the realm of social justice, literature plays a profound role, as effective translation helps amplify voices across languages and cultures that may be underrepresented. Additionally, well-translated literature can help shed light on issues such as systemic injustices, lack of rights, and more.
  • Healthcare – Translation for social change in the healthcare field can help ensure that individuals from diverse backgrounds have access to healthcare services. By properly translating healthcare policies, research findings, or other materials, you can work to ensure that patient rights are upheld in healthcare environments.
  • Media – In the media, translation can promote social justice by amplifying voices and facilitating cross-cultural understanding. Plus, by translating films or TV shows into multiple languages, you can ensure that stories promoting social change reach a wider audience. Translation for social justice in the media is facilitated by making content accessible and more inclusive, challenging inequalities and the status quo.

Making an Impact Starts with Kent State

At Kent State, we know that the power of translation is a catalyst for driving meaningful social change. That’s why we take pride in offering a Master’s in Translation program, one of the largest and oldest programs in the U.S.

Our program prepares students for a variety of rewarding careers and opportunities, including those that utilize translation for social change. Students will have the option to select from the following concentrations:

  • Arabic
  • French
  • Japanese
  • Spanish
  • German
  • Russian

By choosing our program to start your journey in translation for social justice, you’ll reap benefits such as:

  • Smaller class sizes that allow for greater student-faculty and student-peer interaction
  • Access to faculty comprised of internationally known scholars in translation studies, alongside accomplished translators who have received awards for their work
  • Opportunities to participate in translation-related activities outside the classroom including lectures, conferences, language coffee hours, film screenings, workshops, and more
  • Only 36 hours of coursework required to complete your degree
  • An online program option for flexibility and accommodation of your schedule
  • Internship opportunities offered for academic credit

Upon graduation, our students will possess advanced industry and technological skills, have familiarity with diverse online translation tools, and be able to contribute to companies, organizations, and society at large.

Apply Today and Start Your Translation for Social Change Journey

If you’re looking to make a difference in the world through translation, apply to our M.A. in Translation program today. If you’d like to learn more about how our program can help you reach your goals when it comes to translation for social justice, please reach out to our team.

We’ll be happy to help!