Given different points of view and the need to negotiate and cooperate, problems of translation are crucial in large networked environments. Again, sociology of science has provided some analytic tools. In the classic cases described by Callan and Latour, the symbolic systems of different groups are translated into a coherent and monolithic representational regime (Callan, 1986; Latour, 1987). Graphically, one can see a funnel shape with information channeled into a spokesperson. Members' concerns are re-represented (Star, 1995b) under a single rubric, and people learn to see (or are forced to see) their concerns in a second language. Models are typical translation structures in the sense that they are used by system designers to re-represent the diversity of individual symbolic systems. Translation struggles are often found in attempts to standardize systems components.
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Translation forms a bridge of understanding from one person or group to another. Overcome barriers of difference in social standing, culture, language, life experience, or communication style by using neutral wording, metaphor, story, or otherwise converting something into terms others can more easily grasp.