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Date: | Tue, 6 Dec 2011 09:39:16 -0600 |
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ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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I understand that this is not a popular opinion, but I think it needs to be
said. Depending on where you are located (because there are some
exceptions), bilingual signs actually send a message of exclusion rather
than inclusion. In my community we have large Hispanic, Laotian and
Croatian populations. A bilingual sign (Spanish/American English), says to
those who don't speak Spanish or English "sorry, but this museum isn't for
you". On the other hand, by using the one predominate language you are not
excluding anyone, just working within social norms. Fortunately, technology
has made language translation so easy now all signs can be translated into
audio versions. I also heard the other day that there is a Droid app that
takes a text based sign and translates it to any (I'm somewhat skeptical of
that) language. So, I reccommend caution regarding bilingual signage.
Monica
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Monica Post
MPR Museum Consulting
105 NE 64th Street
Des Moines, IA 50327
****Phone: 515 249-2222 **** This is new!
www.MPRconsultants.com
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