Translationalité

Translationalité is a French term used across several disciplines to describe the capacity or process of translating ideas, knowledge, or information from one domain into another. It encompasses linguistic, cultural, and functional dimensions, emphasizing not only literal rendering but also adaptation to new contexts, actors, or purposes.

In translation studies and linguistics, translationalité relates to translatability between languages. It involves challenges of preserving meaning, tone, and intent while accounting for cultural references, pragmatics, and contextual factors. The concept acknowledges that some texts or discourses transfer more easily than others and that translations may require reformulation to remain coherent and appropriate in the target context.

In health sciences and policy, translationalité is closely linked to translation as a bridge from research to practice. The term is often invoked in the framework of translation research (recherche translationnelle), which seeks to move findings from the laboratory or theoretical work toward clinical application, public health impact, or policy implementation. This usage highlights steps such as dissemination, adoption, and implementation, as well as considerations of ethics, governance, and equity.

In science and technology studies and innovation discourse, translationalité describes how ideas, models, or technologies are translated into new settings, networks, or markets. It emphasizes the roles of intermediaries, collaboration, and contextual redesign required for successful transfer and uptake.

Overall, translationalité points to the multifaceted work of making knowledge actionable and communicable across linguistic, cultural, and practical boundaries, while acknowledging the complexities involved in such transfers.