When we try to communicate in the world, we do so through a common language, which is usually our native language. When we communicate with someone from another nationality, we seek a common language that both parties understand. But what happens if we come from different places, with different languages, and there are words that do not exist in those languages?



This happens when we talk about science. Scientists often communicate to each other using specialized language or jargon. This can simplify the communication of complex ideas, however, it can hinder communication to non-scientists. How can scientists communicate and promote a two-way flow of information with non-scientists if we are effectively speaking a “foreign language”?



Under this framework, true inclusivity in the democratization of knowledge and particularly in science can be found when we have a common language that allows us to remove barriers to understanding knowledge in multiple directions. We propose to use illustration and art as a meeting point for different languages, rooted in different contexts, through which we can recognize common natural processes. The potential to use illustration and other art expressions as a “common language” can help bridge many communication divides: 1) from rural and indigenous communities to the scientific community, 2) from the scientific community to rural and indigenous communities, 3) among rural and indigenous communities, and 4) among the scientific community.



In this workshop we will develop two ways of communication through illustration: Part I: Recognizing Local Knowledge. Illustration as a common language to apply radical listening and learn from rural and indigenous communities about their knowledge in ecology and natural history to the scientific community. We will focus on participatory social mapping. Part II: Sharing the knowledge we develop with the world. Illustration as a common language to communicate the results of research processes from the scientific community to rural and indigenous communities. We will focus on comics and graphical abstracts as tools.



Objective of the workshop: In this workshop we will explore ways to facilitate understanding and dialogue between rural and indigenous communities and the scientific community using illustration as a common language, aiming to enrich research processes and foster multidirectional knowledge exchange. Participants will leave with ideas for using art/illustration as a tool for participatory mapping with diverse communities, engaging diverse audiences through graphical abstracts, and other ways of communication.