A tool kit for the real world
Thoughts on the Article: A tool kit for the real world
The article entitled “A tool kit for the real world” written by Motluk (2011) proffered pertinent issues relative to communication skills in the field of sciences. One shares the same conviction with the author in terms of regarding communication as a crucial part of success in whatever endeavor an individual pursues. The distinct element that enhances the relevance of applying exemplary communication skills in scientific endeavors is the challenges faced by scientists in trying to simplify complex terms into words that could be easily understood by the general public. One could empathize with these scientists as some terminologies that were designed or concocted for new discoveries could not simply be translated in words that are commonly used. As such, it could be argued that it is not a simple matter of developing communication skills, but more so, in effectively translating scientific terms and ideas into words or in languages as accurately as possible.
In an article written by Osama (2012) entitled “How to report science in local languages”, the author explicitly revealed that “making sure you translate scientific terms and ideas as accurately as possible is perhaps the most important and difficult part of reporting science in another language” (par. 7). Scientists come from diverse cultural backgrounds and are therefore expected to be more skilled in communicating in their native languages. If English is a second language, the more challenging it would be to translate scientific terms from one’s native language to a second language where proficiency could be lacking.
The suggestions proposed by Motluk in the discourse which includes developing the following skills: people skills, teambuilding, assuming a collectivist perspective, as well as management and leadership; in conjunction with communication skills, should likewise be incorporated, as suggested, in the course programs. The theoretical framework for preparing scientists in their specified fields of endeavors should indeed include courses in communication, management, and human resources, among others to equip them with the holistic competencies in the real world. If these courses are part of their curriculum, students pursuing different degrees in the study of science would be trained, not only in their fields of specialization, but also in recognizing that the success of their new discoveries and inventions would necessiate applications of the defined skills. This corroborates the statements disclosed by John McCulloch, a “senior advisor at MaRS, an organisation based in Toronto, Canada, that helps transform scientific ideas into commercial enterprises” (Motluk, 2011, par. 12) that “in business you are part of a collective, and it is the entire collective that needs to function well” (Motluk, 2011, par. 20).
In the contemporary global setting, the role that communication plays in an organization’s success or even in an individual’s pursuit to achieve personal and professional goals, depend largely on exemplary competencies in communication. The fact that people interact with various other individuals from diverse cultural orientations include greater challenges in the need to learn, not only the basic patterns of communication, but also of relevant concerns such as cultural awareness, acknowledging world Englishes, developing presentation skills, communicating through the use of technological applications, and translating scientific terminologies into other common words spoken in different languages without losing the accurate meaning. As aptly concluded in the discourse, one firmly believes that courses in communication and management would be beneficial for students pursuing degrees in the sciences to make them well-rounded and holistically competent to apply their knowledge and skills in the real world.
References
Motluk, A. (2011, January 13). A tool kit for the real world. Retrieved from NewScientist: http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19969-a-tool-kit-for-the-real-world.html?full=true
Osama, B. (2012, June 8). How to report science in local languages. Retrieved from Sci.Dev.net: http://www.scidev.net/en/science-communication/practical-guides/how-to-report-science-in-local-languages-1.html
