My FIRST first-author article is LIVE!

"Science Communication in Multiple Languages is Critical to its Effectiveness" by Melissa Cristina Márquez & Dr. Ana Maria Porras ( @AnaMaPorras):
http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fcomm.2020.00031/full?&utm_source=Email_to_authors_&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=T1_11.5e1_author&utm_campaign=Email_publication&field=&journalName=Frontiers_in_Communication&id=488732

Open">https://journal.frontiersin.org/article/1... access to readers worldwide! Hope to have it translated soon.

In this article, we discuss that while the use of a single international language of science (English) facilitates the dissemination of knowledge across national and cultural boundaries, it often acts as a gatekeeper. We provide recommendations to expand #scicomm beyond English.

By ignoring other languages, traditional mass media (e.g., newspapers, magazines), social media, and scientific journals ignore the cultures and perspectives of non-English speaking communities.

Scientific discourse carried out in the native language of a target audience yields greater participation, motivation & optimism, and leads to stronger connections to concepts in the native culture. But many feel pressure to publish in English journals (more citations).

Due to this, scientific knowledge originating from non-English speaking countries (or pertaining to these regions) is not available in the local language(s). This means that for an individual, or entity, not knowing English limits their access to scientific information.

We propose approaches to (1) expand access to scientific knowledge in other languages, (2) train STEM professionals & communicators to engage through culturally-relevant strategies, & (3) encourage grassroots efforts to democratize #scicomm & create inclusive communities. Enjoy!