“Translation” and adaptation of techniques
Appropriate technologies and transfer processes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52712/issn.1850-0013-1046Keywords:
technical transfer, technical translation, intermediate technology, appropriate technologyAbstract
The present article characterizes the processes of technical transfer using the concept of “translation”, a term that allows to focus the analysis on the adaptative transformation of the technique in the new context to which it is transferred. From this point of view, the spreading and transfer of techniques could be conceived as cultural transmission processes, which set in a central position the technical abilities and the universe of cultural values that will frame the usage of the translated technology. Later, the author reflects about concrete processes of technical translation, especially those referred to developing countries, and carefully analyzing the idea of “appropriate (or convenient) technology”. The idea, arose as an attempt to find adequate criteria for the translation of techniques to other contexts, sets the stage for introducing factors internal to the technique design (such as effectiveness and feasibility), and elements that are external (such as the evaluation of its fitness or sustainability). Criteria have to be universally conceived, though they are applied according to contextual factors.
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