The Analysis of Translocality Knowledge Network: Introducing a New Approach to Human Geography Research

In recent years, the levels of spatial analysis in human geography have undergone new changes and the concept of translocal relations and studies has emerged and become increasingly popular as relationships that a settlement or a local community establishes with higher spatial levels (regional, regional, national and international). However, the analysis of the knowledge network (co-authorship and co-occurrence words) of translocality has been neglected, despite its necessity and its role in the development of rural geography research, which is examined for the first time in this study. Systematic analysis of the translocality knowledge network and its mapping can identify its sources, trends and shortcomings. In this regard, the data were collected and refined from the Scopus information database and was analyzed with algorithms based on social network analysis in VOSviewer software. The findings showed that of more than 1135 scientific documents and 1364 authors, the United States, United Kingdom and Germany had the most publications, and authors like Sakdapolrak, Steinbrink, Greiner and Sterly had the highest citations. Sakdapolrak cluster of ideas had the highest network density. Asian countries were at the bottom of the list. Co-occurrence analysis of words revealed five research clusters in translocality studies related to the connections and flows of people, capital, goods, information, technologies and innovations. Applying the knowledge network analysis approach and mapping it is recommended to achieve a holistic perspective in the field of human geography research and in the future.