Based on an ethnographic research study, in an Ecuadorian Amazonian Kichwa territory, I use the notion of 'translation as controlled equivocation' as an analytical tool to explore the making sense of difference. Occurring in the same territory, I analyse these encounters with difference, read in relation to a classroom dialogue between teacher and students, with that of a historical encounter with the 'other' in a Dominican missionary's diary of 1887/1888. I propose that exploring the processes of equivocation centring differing subjective positions and situated dialogues, provides a reflective tool against reproducing epistemic violence whilst making space to recognize difference.