BEEWARE of the wasp: The role of language in studying and managing the European Paper Wasp.

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Over the past decade or two, scientists have recognised the importance of the role the general public may play in scientific research to address scientific challenges. This thesis deals with communication concerning the European paper wasp, Polistes Dominula, as facilitated by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), to a predominately Xhosa-speaking public. In addition, the thesis focuses on invasive alien species (IAS) management and the positive impact that public engagement may have on the process of this management, as SANBI has a desire to eradicate the European paper wasp, Polistes Dominula, and public participation is considered imperative to achieve this goal. The incorporation of the public into the realm of science requires a mode of communication of that science to various publics. Prior to effective communication, however, the communicating institution needs to understand each public's level of understanding, knowledge of and perceptions of the European paper wasp. This information is necessary to develop appropriate communication tools for each public.The main data method used in this research was personal, one-on-one interviews, guided by a structured interview schedule. The interviews were conducted with members of the Coasta Land community, in Kayamandi .The respondents were heads of households, or a suitable replacement above the age of 18. The study reveals that language is a barrier in researching, and therefore understanding, a public's perceptions, understanding and knowledge of the European paper wasp. In particular, many English scientific terms are not found in the South African indigenous languages. This poses not only an obstacle to research, but renders likely a communication breakdown between science communicators and the public.This thesis recommends that, in order to achieve successful IAS management, creative methods of communication have to be developed in order to reach Xhosa-speaking communities such as the one studied. Furthermore, along with linguistics and scientists, a process of science-terminology development needs to be embarked upon to overcome the language barrier in science communication.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University