Mini-essay 2a
Yara Langeveld (2760223) - MPA - MSTS
400 words
The concept translation, which is introduced in Actor-Network Theory (ANT), is best described
by Dankert1 as follows: “For ANT, translation is understood as all the negotiations, intrigues,
calculations, acts of persuasion, and violence through which an actant is changed. When actants
have not been translated (or translate themselves), they are not part of the actant–network.” (p. 48).
Hereby, the author explains that it is necessary for all kinds of actants, both human and
non-human, to be translated or changed so they can become part of a certain actor-network.
This translation process can consist of different kinds of activities, but is always necessary for
actants in a network to become connected and work together2. The product of translation is a
modified version of the actant, so there is an optimal fit with the network3. This way, scientific
knowledge and technologies, for instance, are shaped by the existing network and are perceived
in a specific way. Thus, translation contributes to the dynamics within an actor-network and
causes it to evolve and innovate.
An example of translation is the introduction of the smartphone as a new technology. This
technology involves both human actants, such as engineers and designers, customers and users
and governmental agencies, and non-human actants, among which the hardware and software of
smartphones, manufacturing equipment and the global supply chain. For the smartphone to be
used on a global scale, it had to fit with the needs of its potential users. Furthermore, it had to be
in line with the interests of governmental agencies and the possibilities with regard to the
available hardware and software for its design. Additionally, the smartphone could only fit in the
existing actor-network if it connected with the needs and structure of the supply chain. To bring
together all these different actants within the network, the smartphone had to be translated into
a form that appealed to all the actants. This process involved a lot of negotiation and mediation,
because the actants had different, conflicting interests. Hereby, engineers had to adapt their
design to meet regulatory requirements, which in turn changed the used hardware and software
and the expectations of potential users. Once all these interests were aligned and the translation
process was successful, the smartphone as a new technology could be produced and sold to
consumers.
1
Dankert, R. (2012). Actor–Network Theory. In International Encyclopedia of Housing and Home (p.
46–50). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-08-047163-1.00606-8
2
Sismondo, S. (2010). An introduction to science and technology studies (2nd edition).
Wiley-Blackwell.
3
Nickerson, C. (2023, May 12). Latour’s Actor Network Theory. Simply Sociology.
https://simplysociology.com/actor-network-theory.html
