Boundary objects in translation: the role of language in participatory system dynamics modeling

• Published in: System dynamics review Vol. 37; no. 4; pp. 310 - 332
• Main Authors: Ballard, Ellis, Werner, Kelsey, Priyadarshini, Pratiti
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01.10.2021; Wiley Periodicals Inc
• Subjects: Language; Linguistics; Literacy; Modelling; System dynamics
• ISSN: 0883-7066; 1099-1727
• DOI: 10.1002/sdr.1694

Participatory system dynamics modeling provides tools to represent and improve mental models through stakeholder participation. A hallmark of this approach is the creation and management models as boundary objects. With a proliferation of participatory modeling in diverse contexts, new methodological challenges have emerged around the role of language and translation. This article identifies a gap in the literature around the challenge of language, literacy, and linguistic translation in participatory modeling practice and examines examples from an emerging body of international practice. The authors present a case study that uses visuals to bridge multiple linguistic and literacy divides in workshops in rural India. The authors delineate a preliminary set of language configurations for boundary‐object engagement to clarify design choices of modelers and facilitators. They close with a discussion of the need to assess and document facilitation and language choices and propose opportunities to strengthen practical guidance for the field. © 2021 System Dynamics Society.