Crisis management involves planning, responding, and returning to normality after events that disrupt the functioning of organisations, communities, or even entire nations.
During natural disasters, ecological catastrophes, health crises, and social unrest, effective crisis communication plays a vital role. A response to changing conditions is impossible without it. Warning systems convey information about dangers, evacuation needs, and safety measures. Translations in crisis management give equal access to information for everyone.
The role of communication in crisis management
Good communication helps to coordinate emergency services. Firefighters, police, medical teams, and NGOs need to know their tasks and how to collaborate with others. Each group must have effective internal communication channels to keep everyone informed about their duties and the current situation.
Victims and their families need as much information as possible about the disaster, along with psychological and material support. Translating information into their language quickly provides them with details about available resources and help points.
Traditional media and the Internet are the first to report events. The information shared should be accurate to prevent panic and misinformation.
Crisis translation
Communication needs to be clear for everyone involved. In a crisis, every second counts. Incorrect translations lead to disastrous outcomes, while accurate ones provide everyone with the same access to the information.
Instructions about safe routes, assembly points, and necessary precautions should be understandable to as many people as possible, often using visuals.
When a global crisis occurs, countries receive help from around the world. Translators work for rescue teams, humanitarian organisations, and local authorities and help them to communicate.
When is language translation needed in a crisis?
- natural disasters (e.g., floods, earthquakes, hurricanes),
- airplane crashes and road accidents,
- pandemics and local epidemics,
- terrorist attacks,
- evacuation,
- wars and armed conflicts,
- industrial disasters (e.g., chemical spills and factory fires),
- rescue operations in multilingual areas,
- humanitarian crises,
- riots and protests,
- international humanitarian missions,
- bomb threats and shootings.
Translators overcome language barriers
In crisis, translators must act swiftly. Sometimes, a second’s delay means the difference between life and death. Every mistake can put people in danger. In such moments, translators need to ensure everyone fully understands the message.
Translators face many challenges. The time pressure is immense. They must work quickly in highly stressful conditions. They might also encounter technological barriers, such as weak internet connections or lack of access to specialised tools.
Professional translators participate in press conferences, translating statements from representatives of various organisations and governments. The information shared with the public must be clear and accurate to prevent panic and misinformation.
In multilingual crisis communication, work conditions change rapidly. Professionals must be flexible and ready to work in various environments. They may be needed in crisis management offices, field hospitals, and video conferences. Empathy helps them connect with those affected.
The role of translators in emergencies
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization regularly issued press releases in multiple languages. They provided updates on new guidelines, statistics, and actions being taken globally. Translating these messages into multiple languages made them accessible to people all over the world.
Another example of the vital role of translators in multilingual disaster settings is the press releases during the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 crash. The airline and authorities provided translations in multiple languages. This ensured that the families of the victims and the international community could stay updated on the search efforts and later, the investigation.
Tools supporting translation in a crisis
Translators can work remotely from anywhere in the world. Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom and other platforms facilitate collaboration in real-time, regardless of location. It is easy to find appropriate terms when using terminology databases, dictionaries, and text corpora. MemoQ and SDL Trados facilitate translation management. They organise work and track progress in real-time.
Coordinating translation tasks and teams during multicultural crisis communication across different time zones requires careful planning. Trello, Asana, and Wrike make task management and scheduling easier. They allow task assignments, deadline setting, and progress monitoring. Regular virtual meetings and status updates enable quick responses to changing situations.
A translation team leader in language services must be an excellent mastermind and an inspiring leader. They should ensure that every member has access to necessary resources and support, monitor work progress, and make decisions under pressure. They are also expected to delegate tasks and manage priorities.
Accurate translation in difficult times
Translation management systems automate processes, perform quality checks, and track work progress. To maintain consistent terminology, language professionals should have access to a terminology database. Clear procedures for reviewing and approving translations improve the work quality.
Translators should use official communication channels, email, messaging apps, or video conferencing platforms with proper data protection measures.
Regular meeting schedules and updates keep everyone informed. Information should be clear and free of complex language. A central repository for storing all important files and materials makes the professionals’ job easier.
Translation in crisis
Professional translators save lives as they provide language access to crucial information. Skrivanek Translation Agency specialises in crisis. Our translators are available 24/7 by prior arrangement.
Contact us to discuss how we can support your organisation in crisis. We offer a free quote to analyse your needs and suggest the best solutions. Whether you are looking for document translations, evacuation instructions, or press releases, we are here to help.
We provide translations in English, German, Spanish, French and other European, Asian, and African languages. Reach out today to see how our services enhance your disaster risk reduction.
