Translation tag and graffiti: to expand the world of linguistic mediation

Every day, the inhabitants of the big cities notice a multitude of indecipherable texts. These unintelligible texts populate the most unlikely places in our urban landscape. Many of these urban art texts are the "work" of local bands or authors who use graffiti as a newspaper, book orbillboard, often in the open air. These artistic inscriptions allow them to delineate their territory and convey messages that are understandable only by members of rival gangs. By deciphering and translating graffiti texts,we could understand what is happening in a specific place and follow neighbourhood conflicts.

Translation tag and provocative message: from ill-being to protest

Recently, I discovered an application translated and designed exclusively for the purpose of deciphering and translating the elusive code of graffiti. Its algorithm,based on a technology that recognizes these kinds of symbols, was created to interpret the inscriptions used. Indeed, the bands have their language to mark their territory, challenge the rival bands and assert their power.

The study and translation of graffiti of this type can also provide vital information for the prevention of criminal activity.The ability to track gang actions allows communities to develop strategies to avoid violent clashes.

Translation tag: how to decipher tags and graffiti?

Users of the GRAFFITIAutomatic Recognition and Interpretation(GARI) app photograph graffiti and load it into the database GPS coordinates, date and time. The user of the app receives a detailed analysis of the band's affiliation. An interpretation of the message and the geographical location of similar graffiti is also sent.

Unlike most texts that can be translated,graffiti is poorly standardized. Indeed, they are difficult to understand immediately. There are no instruction manuals providing guidelines for this new communication code. And each symbol can have a wide variety of meanings depending on their authors.

The deciphering of this language attaches great importance to the supra and extralinguistic elements. Indeed, they have a valuable contextual value for the translation of graffiti-like texts. For example, the color of the letters (which may indicate membership in a specific band) or the use of a particular typographical style. Thus, this style, like the spelling of an ordinary language, allows to identify the origin of graffiti, the language of ill-being and diversity.contact with us for language translation services