Lost in Translation: Researchers’ Reflections on Writing in English for CHI

Eszter Vigh, Ellen Weir, Grace Stangroome, Alex Tcherdakoff, Yelu Gu, Oussama Metatla, Mamoru Watanabe, René Schäfer, Sophie Hahn, Konrad Krawczyk, Marcela Godoy, Rodolfo Cossovich, Randy Morin, Kristine Dreaver-Charles, Marguerite Koole, Bennett Lewis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

Abstract

This paper examines linguistic and cultural diversity in Human-Computer Interaction through multilingual experiences across various native languages, including Hungarian, Japanese, Cree, German, Welsh, Spanish, Mandarin, French, Polish, and Arabic. Each contribution reveals unique challenges in translation, usability, and cultural nuance within digital interfaces, with linguistic barriers ranging from issues with non-Latin characters to loss of contextual meaning and limited localisation options. These sections highlight the limitations of current design practices, which often prioritise English-centric frameworks that fail to accommodate diverse language structures and cultural nuances. By capturing these varied perspectives, this paper underscores the need for inclusive, cross-lingual design practices that address global usability challenges. It contributes to the development of more accessible and culturally sensitive digital environments, fostering an HCI approach that values linguistic diversity and cultural specificity.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCHI EA 2025 - Extended Abstracts of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the Extended Abstracts of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9798400713958
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Apr 2025
EventThe ACM (Association of Computing Machinery) CHI conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems 2025 - Yokohama, Japan
Duration: 26 Apr 20251 May 2025
https://chi2025.acm.org/

Publication series

NameConference on Human Factors in Computing Systems - Proceedings
PublisherACM
ISSN (Electronic)2159-6468

Conference

ConferenceThe ACM (Association of Computing Machinery) CHI conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems 2025
Abbreviated titleCHI 2025
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityYokohama
Period26/04/251/05/25
Internet address

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 Copyright held by the owner/author(s).

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