Discovery Museum Embraces Bilingual Inclusivity
Upon entering the Discovery Museum, visitors are greeted with Spanish text that commands the same visual presence as English, a deliberate decision that sets it apart from many other institutions. Spanish is displayed with equal prominence, countering the norm where it often appears in a secondary position.
Patrick Turner, the museum’s chief advancement officer, explained the reasoning behind this approach. “Graphically, we tried to treat the Spanish and the English equally,” Turner stated. “Oftentimes in a museum setting, you’ll see English big and bold and then Spanish underneath, often in a lighter typeface and in italics. We didn’t want to have that Spanish translation feel secondary to the English content.”
Significantly, the content for their energy exhibition was initially crafted in Spanish rather than translated from English. This methodological choice aims to avert common translation errors and preserve the integrity of the information.
In lieu of automated translation tools, the museum utilizes local translators to ensure cultural nuances are accurately captured. This commitment to bilingual representation is also reflected in their staffing, with an emphasis on hiring bilingual personnel.
Turner noted that this is particularly beneficial for families visiting the museum. “There are certainly families who come in where the adults solely speak Spanish, and the kids can speak English and Spanish,” he said. “But sometimes the kids are a little reluctant to interact with the adults who work here.”
Beyond the museum’s walls, engagement with the local Latino community is prioritized through participation in events such as Fiesta on Wells. This extends the museum’s mission from merely translating exhibits to fostering genuine connections.
“The discovery is for everyone,” emphasized Turner. “And we encourage everyone in our community to visit, regardless of your age, the language you speak, your interests. We want people to come here and learn and explore science.”
Looking to the future, the museum plans to continue developing exhibits with Spanish as the primary language to maintain content authenticity.
