The Rohingya are marginalized in Myanmar society, as reflected in their lack of legal status and recognition as citizens. Across the border in Bangladesh, they are also unable to participate fully in society due to their lack of legal status and recognition as refugees. In both contexts, language barriers reinforce that exclusion. In March 2019, […]
Getting community engagement right from the start: a reflection on the Cyclone Idai humanitarian response
MSNA language data can help humanitarians communicate better with affected people
When words fail: audio recording for verification in multilingual surveys
Are they listening? The challenges and opportunities of multilingual audio communication in Borno State
People affected by the conflict in linguistically diverse Northeast Nigeria need to give and receive critical information in multiple languages. Options for doing so are currently limited, but rethinking how humanitarians use audio messaging to reach their intended audiences could change that. Research shows that audio is the most widely understood communication format among internally […]
Help bridge the language translation technology digital divide
Marginalized mother languages – two ways to improve the lives of the people who speak them
Assessment: effective Ebola communication requires respect and transparency
In the second year of the current Ebola outbreak response in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), people at risk still don’t have clear answers to their questions about the disease in a language they understand. Many local health communicators are themselves confused about the disease prevention and treatment measures they promote. The language, content, […]
Missing the mark? People in Eastern DRC need information on Ebola in a language they understand
People at risk of contracting Ebola need information to keep themselves and their families safe. Information they don’t understand will not help them. They need clear communication in plain, localized language, in a format they understand, and through channels they trust. To learn how to better communicate, TWB conducted the rapid language needs assessment in […]
Hausa basics for humanitarians – Factsheet
Kanuri basics for humanitarians – Factsheet
In need of words: Using local languages improves comprehension for people affected by Cyclone Idai in Beira, Mozambique
Read and download the report brief in English, Portuguese, Sena, and Chwabo.
