Redefining information accessibility in crisis translation: communicating COVID-19 resources to culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia

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Abstract

As awareness of the increasingly multicultural and multilingual contexts for crises rapidly grows in this globalised era, so does recognition that translation is essential for effective crisis communication. The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic is a recent reminder in that regard. By examining Australia’s COVID-19-related communication to its culturally and linguistically diverse communities, this chapter evaluates how information accessibility as an essential human right has been implemented in the country’s management of the health crisis. To enable systemic analysis, factors that may affect accessibility are divided into three categories, namely social, cultural and technical accessibility. The chapter concludes that crisis translation is a dynamic process rather than a static product. During emergency situations, translation does not have to be carried out by professional translators, nor are written translations the only solution. Through the case study, the chapter argues that information accessibility is not an intrinsic property of crisis translation, and an evaluation of its effectiveness should be based on demonstrable access to the information by, and effect on, the target audience.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Routledge Handbook of Translation, Interpreting and Crisis
EditorsChristophe Declercq, Koen Kerremans
Place of PublicationAbingdon Oxon UK
PublisherRoutledge
Chapter2
Pages31-44
Number of pages14
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9781003207580
ISBN (Print)9781032075426, 9781032075006
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Publication series

NameRoutledge Handbooks In Translation and Interpreting Studies
PublisherRoutledge

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