Solidarity in crises: empowering marginalized communities through translation and interpreting

When a crisis happens, the affected region is very often culturally and linguistically diverse with complex linguistic maps that tend to be neglected by relief and aid providing organizations and institutions. For example, the recent earthquake in Turkey raised issues about the translation and interpreting provided in Kurdish and other languages used by the affected population (Krajeski 2023). In addition, during the 2000 refugee crises in North Macedonia, the Roma and Ashkali population from Kosovo were not provided with the necessary interpreting support (Todorova 2020). This article will examine the question of solidarity shown in crises situations by translating and interpreting for the linguistically diverse minorities in order to enable inclusivity and equal access to information.

Less frequently used languages often have fewer resources and lack professional translators and interpreters. Thus, the speakers of these languages depend on autonomous and civic solidarity (Agustín & Jørgensen 2019), including support in translation and interpreting. The article will raise awareness about the linguistic challenges faced by minority communities in crises situations and identify strategies to overcome these challenges through the use of translation and interpreting. It will identify solidarity among translators and interpreters as a form of advocacy and empowerment (Todorova 2019).