Critical theory of technology and actor-network theory in the examination of techno-empowered online collaborative translation practice

Babel ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Szu-Wen Kung
Keyword(s):  
Critical Theory ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Sociological Theory ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Translation Practice ◽  
Interactive Relationship ◽  
Critical Theory Of Technology

Abstract While “turns” in translation studies have long been embracing the theoretical complexity integrated into the discussion of various translation phenomena, the theorisation of the use of technology and its impact on translation remains under-represented in scholarly literature of the field (O’Hagan 2016). This article considers the influence of technology on translation and reflects on the question as to how the interactive relationship between technology and translation may be theoretically conceptualised. Taking an approach informed by sociological theory, this article combines critical theory of technology (CTT) and actor-network theory (ANT) to examine the relationship between technology and translation, as well as the translation players involved. With the advent of Web 2.0, techno-empowered collaborative translation in the online TED Talks environment using Amara subtitling platform becomes a useful locale for discussion. Through a participant-observation approach, that is, with the author’s experience in the online translation environment, this article aims to explore how the technological elements in translation often described as “emergent property from new forms of translation practice” (Cronin 2010, 1) may offer critical insights from an epistemological perspective, especially the reciprocity between technology and its users.

scholarly journals Probation practice in the information age

2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 209-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jake Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Heterogeneous Networks ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Information Age ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Way

This article analyses the implications of the greater use of technology and information in probation practice. Using data generated via an ethnography of probation, the article firstly argues that probation in England and Wales now exists in what scholars would identify as ‘the information age’ (i.e. that computers and other technologies work to define and create probation practice as we know it). The article goes on to use actor-network theory to analyse two ‘heterogeneous networks’ to explore the way in which probation practitioners and the technologies they use interact to create particular forms of practice. The article argues that unless we understand the technology that underpins practice we cannot fully understand practice. Finally, the article considers the implications of this analysis for probation post-Transforming Rehabilitation (TR).

Sociologiens performativitet - afvikling af det dårlige samfund?

2006 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 74-92
Author(s):  
Anders Blok
Keyword(s):  
Network Theory ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Sociological Theory ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Symbolic Products ◽  
Critical Moments

Anders Blok: The Performativity of Sociology – Dismantling the Poor Society? This essay raises questions about the contribution of sociology to bettering or dismantling its always less-than-satisfactory society. What happens if we stop viewing sociological theory and analysis as explanations of society, and start seeing them as additions to society, as narrative equipment for societal ac¬-tors? And what consequences does such a performative perspective imply for the critical capacity of sociology? Drawing inspiration from actor-network theory (ANT), this essay suggests that the mundane symbolic products of so¬cio¬logy are co-constitutive for the continual (re)creation of “society“. Texts, concepts, statistics, and analyses contribute to collecting and effectuating social groups. Interesting sociology gains attention from various publics by participating in critical dialogues. Rather than cool-headed distance, a critical proximity is called for, with sociologists engaging the critical moments of social life, while developing a “sociology of criticism“ capable of respecting the critical capacities of social co-actors. Criticism is a practical endeavour, with various means of intervention available. This performative perspective suggests two important societal narratives for future sociological engagement are suggested: cosmopolitization of society and democratization of expertise.

Actor Network Theory and IS Research

2010 ◽  
pp. 403-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amany Elbanna
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Sociological Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Is Research ◽  
Key Concepts

Actor network theory is a sociological theory that emerged as a useful vehicle to study technology and information systems. This chapter gives the reader some background about the development and emergence of this sociological theory. It reviews some of the premises of the theory and introduces the reader to key concepts and ideas. It also presents some of the critique of the theory, ANT authors’ response, and the implication on IS research. This chapter also gives the reader an overview of the application of ANT in different streams of IS research.

Using Actor Network Theory to Understand ICT Integration in Secondary Schools

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 58-74
Author(s):  
Lucia Ginger ◽  
Irene Govender
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Technology Implementation ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Time Table ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Basic Infrastructure ◽  
Human Actors

The aim of this study is to understand the effective implementation and use of technology in secondary schools in Mozambique, a developing country. Actor network theory (ANT) was used as a lens to understand technology integration in the education system as a package, in which the mutual dependence between the social and technical is highlighted. Maputo province in Mozambique was chosen as the site for this research. Both qualitative and quantitative data approaches were employed. The findings revealed that technology implementation in secondary schools is a dynamic process which is impacted either positively or negatively by the surrounding contextual situation. The study emphasizes that the role of non-human actors such as the ICT curriculum guide, the time-table and the schools' basic infrastructure, and its relationship with human actors, such as the heads of schools, teachers, and students, is gradually shaped by technology and its related network entities.

Distance, Climate, Demographics and the Development of Online Courses in Newfoundland and Labrador

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 17-28
Author(s):  
Scott Reid
Keyword(s):  
Network Theory ◽  
Newfoundland And Labrador ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Human Actors ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

One of the assertions of the Actor-Network Theory is that physical factors can be actors within a network of other factors which determine the development and use of technology. This paper documents the impact of climate, distance and demographics on the adoption of online courses at Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada. The qualitative study demonstrates that these physical factors did influence professor’s decisions to use online courses. The findings support the Actor-Network Theory and provide insight into the interaction of physical and human actors within a network that facilitated the adoption of online courses at the university being studied.

Autonome Technik als Herausforderung der soziologischen Handlungstheorie / Autonomous Technology as a Challenge to the Sociological Theory of Action

2011 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin D. Fink ◽  
Johannes Weyer
Keyword(s):  
Network Theory ◽  
Sociological Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Theory Of Action ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Autonomous Technology

ZusammenfassungDie vorliegende Abhandlung entwickelt ein soziologisches Modell, welches das „Mit-Handeln“ von Technik beschreibt und in einer Weise operationalisiert, dass die Frage der Handlungsträgerschaft empirisch untersucht werden kann. Es wird gezeigt, dass die von der Actor-Network-Theory thematisierten Phänomene auch im Rahmen einer soziologischen Handlungstheorie betrachtet werden können, die sich auf das Esser’sche Modell soziologischer Erklärung stützt. Das Ergebnis ist ein Modell soziologischer Erklärung hybrider Systeme, das die Interaktion von menschlichen Akteuren und nicht-menschlichen Aktanten beschreibt. Zu dessen Überprüfung wurden Experimente in einem selbst programmierten Fahrsimulator durchgeführt. Deren Auswertung belegt, dass die Probanden den technischen Assistenzsystemen Handlungsträgerschaft zuschreiben und das Verhältnis Mensch-Technik als ein symmetrisches wahrnehmen. Zudem tendieren sie dazu, sich je nach Handlungsverteilung der Verfolgung bestimmter Ziele zu entledigen, obwohl nach den Spielregeln „humans“ und „non-humans“ gleichermaßen für die Verfolgung aller Ziele verantwortlich waren.

scholarly journals Aktør-netværkteori: A-moderne (sociologisk?) teori

2006 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 9-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jakob Arnoldi
Keyword(s):  
Network Theory ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Sociological Theory ◽  
Sociology Of Science ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
The Other ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Nature And Culture ◽  
The Many ◽  
The One

Jakob Arnoldi: Actor Network Theory: A-modern (Sociological?) Theory This article is a critical analysis of Bruno Latour’s actor network theory. It outlines two main conceptual moves in Latour’s work. The first is the move from an “irreductionist“ sociology of science to a critique of the so-called “Modern Constitution“. The second is a move from a double dialectic between knowledge and on the one hand the objectively given world, on the other the subjectively given world, to a notion of hybridization. The article outlines a range of positive aspects of the theory. It highlights the many possibilities for empirical research which actor network theory provides. And it argues that the theory is a valuable tool for research in areas such as risk, technology, and environment. However, the article remains critical of several aspects of Latour’s theory. First of all, it argues that the theory is unnecessarily polemic. Secondly, and much more importantly, it argues that Latour’s theory is haunted by a lack of reflexivity as it remains trapped inside the conceptual framework, the Modern Constitution, which the theory is attacking. The article argues that Latour retains a dialectical form of reasoning and that the critique of the poles nature and culture is based on the very distinction between these poles.

STRUCTURING A SUCCESSFUL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROCESS: A CASE STUDY FROM THE PERSPECTIVES OF ACTOR NETWORK THEORY

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huda Ibrahim ◽  
Hasmiah Kasimin
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Technology Transfer ◽  
Transfer Process ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Local Market ◽  
Private Company ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Technology Transfer Process

An effi cient and effective information technology transfer from developed countries to Malaysia is an important issue as a prerequisite to support the ICT needs of the country to become not only a ICT user but also a ICT producer. One of the factors that infl uences successful information technology transfer is managing the process of how technology transfer occurs in one environment. It involves managing interaction between all parties concerned which requires an organized strategy and action toward accomplishing technology transfer objective in an integrated and effective mode. Using a conceptual framework based on the Actor Network Theory (ANT), this paper will analyse a successful information technology transfer process at a private company which is also a supplier of information technology (IT) products to the local market. This framework will explain how the company has come up with a successful technology transfer in a local environment. Our study shows that the company had given interest to its relationships with all the parties involved in the transfer process. The technology transfer programme and the strategy formulated take into account the characteristics of technology and all those involved.  

The Action of Christian Buildings on their Chinese Environment

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 100-121
Author(s):  
Michel Chambon
Keyword(s):  
Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Active Part ◽  
Architectural Style ◽  
Actor Network

This article explores the ways in which Christians are building churches in contemporary Nanping, China. At first glance, their architectural style appears simply neo-Gothic, but these buildings indeed enact a rich web of significances that acts upon local Christians and beyond. Building on Actor-Network Theory and exploring the multiple ties in which they are embedded, I argue that these buildings are agents acting in their own right, which take an active part in the process of making the presence of the Christian God tangible.

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