Just two weeks ago, I shared a post on LinkedIn about the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked Morocco to its core. However, this earthquake is just one among a series of devastating natural disasters that have struck the world this year. Earlier, we witnessed the catastrophic earthquake that shook Turkey and Syria, resulting in the loss of over 50,000 lives and displacing millions. And countless floods and fires wreaked havoc across the globe, leaving a trail of destruction and displacement in their wake — a stark and sobering reminder of the growing impact of climate change.
When sudden-onset disasters occur, every second counts, and miscommunication can have dire consequences. Ineffective communication can lead to inefficiencies that worsen an already fragile situation.
Humanitarian translators are first responders behind the scenes, entrusted with the crucial task of translating essential information (alerts, evacuation directives, medical documents, etc.). They play a pivotal role in bridging communication gaps during sudden-onset disasters and work tirelessly to ensure that critical information reaches those in need.
Below are some resources and recommendations for fellow linguists, first responders, and NGOs working to offer aid and assistance in such critical moments.
For fellow linguists:
Preparation is key. Here are valuable resources to consider:
- Translators Without Borders (TWB): TWB is a nonprofit organization providing vital language and translation support for humanitarian and development agencies. They offer opportunities for dedicated volunteers to make a meaningful impact during crises. To join TWB, register at TWB Registration.
- RedR UK: RedR UK offers specialized training programs tailored for aid workers. These programs equip you with essential skills and knowledge required to operate effectively in disaster-stricken areas. Visit their website at RedR UK.
- UNHCR Emergency Handbook: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees provides a comprehensive emergency handbook that includes guidance on communication in humanitarian response. Non-UNHCR staff can register to access this resource at UNHCR Emergency Handbook Registration.
- Familiarizing yourself with emergency response: the MIRA assessment (https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/system/files/mira_2015_final.pdf), system-wide scale-up activation (https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/system/files/181113_iasc_scale-up_frequently_asked_questions_final.pdf; https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/iasc-transformative-agenda/iasc-protocol-1-humanitarian-system-wide-scale-activation-definition-and-procedures-2018), and cluster coordination (https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/system/files/2020-11/Reference%20Module%20for%20Cluster%20Coordination%20at%20Country%20Level%20%28revised%20July%202015%29.pdf).
- In anticipation of sudden-onset disasters, prepare field-specific glossaries relevant to your geographical area. These glossaries can include specialized terminology for various disaster types, such as tsunamis, landslides, or floods. Being equipped with context-specific language resources enhances your ability to rapidly convey critical information accurately and efficiently during disaster response efforts. Your glossaries can include:
- General crisis-response glossaries, such as first aid, Search and Rescue, emergency shelters, evacuation procedures terminology, Protection and Child Protection, Logistics and Cluster Coordination, water purification and storage, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), mental health support, Risk communication, etc.
- Specialized glossaries, prioritizing fields that align with the specific geographical risks of your area (tsunamis, landslides, flooding, etc.), to enhance your ability to rapidly convey critical information accurately and efficiently. Here are two examples:
- In areas prone to tsunamis, create a tsunami glossary for your language pair including terms related to tsunami causes (e.g., earthquakes below or near the ocean, volcanic eruptions, submarine landslides, and coastal rock falls), warning systems (e.g., buoys, tide gauges, seismic monitoring), evacuation procedures (e.g., search and rescue protocols terminology specific to tsunamis), hazards (e.g., strong currents, high waves, debris), impact and recovery (e.g., damage assessment, rebuilding). Also, have at your disposal more specialized glossaries related to hydrology (terms related to the movement of water in floods and tsunamis, such as storm surge, inundation, and debris flow.), coastal engineering (terms related to flood control and tsunami mitigation measures, such as levees, dams, seawalls, and breakwaters), geology (terms related to the geological factors that contribute to floods and tsunamis, such as fault lines, sea-level rise, and landslide susceptibility), etc.
- In areas prone to landslides, create a landslide glossary for your language pair including definitions of terms related to landslide types (e.g., rockfalls, debris flows, mudslides), causes (e.g., heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions), hazards (e.g., debris, landslides, flooding), specific response and recovery (e.g., search and rescue protocol terminology, evacuation, damage assessment), etc. In addition, consider acquiring glossaries in more specialized fields, such as geology (terms related to the geological factors that contribute to landslides, such as soil type, slope angle, and fault lines), hydrology (terms related to the movement of water in landslides, such as debris flow and inundation), engineering (terms related to landslide mitigation measures, such as retaining walls and drainage systems), etc.
For first responders:
For first responders working on the frontlines of a disaster, clear communication is vital. Here are some recommendations to help ensure effective communication:
- Language Phrasebooks: Access phrasebooks or translation apps that can help you communicate basic needs and instructions in the local languages.
- Local Liaison Officers: Collaborate with local liaison officers who can bridge language gaps and provide cultural context.
- Crisis Communication Training: Consider training programs that focus on cross-cultural communication and working with interpreters.
For NGOs:
Effective communication lies at the heart of NGO and humanitarian agencies’ operations. Here are recommendations to enhance your communication efforts during crises:
- Partnerships with Linguists: Forge partnerships with humanitarian translators and organizations that specialize in crisis communication.
- Translation Technology: Invest in translation technology that can rapidly translate and disseminate information in multiple languages.
- Cross-Cultural Training: Provide your staff with cross-cultural training to ensure they understand the nuances of communicating in diverse linguistic environments.
In addition, all groups should be sensitive to the cultural context. For example, in some cultures, it is considered taboo to mention death directly.
In moments of crisis, language can either unite or divide. It wields the power to foster solidarity, provide solace, ensure the effective delivery of aid, and save lives. Yet, it can also sow confusion, fear, and misunderstanding. Let us unite behind the vision of language as a unifying force, not a barrier.