University of Nizwa academic highlights evolving role of translation in museums
The University of Nizwa’s growing contribution to international academic dialogue was highlighted in an online lecture exploring translation's evolving role in museums and its importance in connecting cultures and making heritage accessible to diverse audiences.
Dr Islam Al Sawi, Assistant Professor of Translation at the University of Nizwa, delivered the lecture, entitled “Beyond Words: Translational Mediation and Meaning-Making in Museums”, on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, at the invitation of the Department of English at the Islamic University of Gaza, Palestine.
The lecture examined how translation in museums extends well beyond transferring information from one language to another. It explored translation as a form of cultural mediation that can shape how visitors understand heritage, interpret cultural narratives and engage with histories different from their own.
Drawing on case studies from the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Oman Across Ages Museum, Dr Al Sawi demonstrated how museums rely on translation to communicate complex cultural and historical meanings to audiences from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The discussion also considered the role of translation in fostering intercultural dialogue and widening access to cultural heritage.
The academic session attracted the participation of Dr Mahmoud Al Tarabeen and Dr Mohamed Ahmed Al Tahwabt from Al-Quds University, as well as professors and researchers specialising in translation and linguistics from universities across Palestine. Students and researchers also took part in the discussion, contributing to an exchange of perspectives on translation, museums and cultural communication.
The lecture offered more than an academic discussion of translation; it provided a platform for exploring how language can serve as a bridge between communities, cultures and histories. It also underscored the value of international academic engagement in creating opportunities for researchers and scholars to exchange knowledge despite geographical boundaries.
Dr Al Sawi’s participation reflects the University of Nizwa’s engagement with international academic communities and its contribution to scholarly discussions in translation, linguistic and cultural studies. Through such platforms, the University continues to provide opportunities for its academics to share research and expertise while strengthening academic connections with institutions and scholars across the region.
