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Article published In: Translation Spaces
Vol. 13:2 (2024) ► pp.330–353

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Point of view and narrative in Wikipedia translation

Towards a common research framework

ORCiD logo with link | The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong
Published online: 21 November 2024
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/ts.23045.shu
Abstract
Wikipedia prides itself on its ability to provide nuanced and largely neutral information, while as part of its participatory editing process translation is sometimes used to introduce content that can impact point of view. Because of the clear overlap between narrative and point of view, this article proposes an initial framework based on narrative theory — supplemented by Bakhtin’s notion of polyphony — to theorise point of view in Wikipedia and beyond. The article assembles a list of methods and tools for synchronic and diachronic analysis and exemplifies how different analyses might proceed. In this way, the article aims to problematise the concept of point of view, to contribute to the significant impact that translation studies has had on narrative theory and to advance research into the specifics of Wikipedia translation. Along the way, the English edition’s claimed neutral status is called into question as it also displays evidence of manipulation.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Wikipedia and translation studies research
  • 3.Wikipedia and point of view
  • 4.Narrative and point of view
  • 5.Investigating translation, narrative and POV
    • 5.1Analysing wording with WikiBlame and the revision history
    • 5.2Investigating polyphony with WikiAligner and WhoColor
  • 6.Conclusions
  • Notes
  • References
References (51)
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