Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê

The module provides an overview of the multiple tasks that language mediators may be asked to perform to support effective communication in crisis settings. The term translation here indicates any form of language mediation as deployed in crises – as opposite to discipline-specific terminology. This definition refers to both written translation and oral interpreting as specific roles blur when evolving crises demand immediate responses with limited resources. The module will familiarize students with operational issues, existing aid technologies, and approaches used by language mediators in enabling communication in such settings as multilingual medical emergencies, disaster response units, pandemic information, terrorist attack, and inter-operational response teams. The module delivers intensive training in supporting multilingual communication and peer-support in dealing with unpredictable circumstances, including operating in unpredictable language combinations. Online learning is central to the module as crisis coordination of multilingual support has proven to move swiftly and effectively online. The module is driven by a problem-solving approach and is not language specific. Discussions, role plays, and analysis of the constraints in ensuring quality of communication as currently documented in the literature on crisis communication will enable students to understand the role of translating increases. Students often are able to volunteer on projects connected with community engagement (applying the principles of the module to authentic contexts). The module will focus on ways of deploying automated technologies in order to diminish communication times in multilingual environments so as to have more time to assessment procedures that monitor quality of communication in crises. The module will cover the following topics, which may be subject to variation depending on developments in academic research and the interests of the class:Ìý

• Risk communication and language access policiesÌý
• Translation and interpreting rolesÌýÌý
• Citizen translation and language supportÌý

By the end of the module, you should be able to:Ìý

• Understand the cognitive and emotional challenges of operating in crisis communication.Ìý
• Recognize the linguistic and technical issues of communicating in contexts and phases of crises.Ìý
• Operate as a language-support consultant using a range of technologies.Ìý
• Support intercultural communication in crisis settings

Recommended ReadingÌý

In preparation for the module, we advise reading the following core text.Ìý

Federici, Federico M. and Christophe Declercq. 2019. Intercultural Crisis Communication. Translation, Interpreting and Languages in Local Crises. London: Bloomsbury Academic.Ìý

Ìý