Crisis communication, Translation studies, Cross-cultural barriers, Emergency responses,
Linguistic vulnerability
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the role that language translation can play in
disaster prevention and management and to make the case for increased attention to language translation in
crisis communication.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on literature relating to disaster management to
suggest that translation is a perennial issue in crisis communication.
Findings – Although communication with multicultural and multilinguistic communities is seen as being
in urgent need of attention, the authors find that the role of translation in enabling this is underestimated, if
not unrecognized.
Originality/value – This paper raises awareness of the need for urgent attention to be given by scholars
and practitioners to the role of translation in crisis communication.