‘Norwegian-Somalis are best suited to inform Norwegian-Somalis’
Crisis communication, linguistic diversity and social (in)equality during the initial stages of the Covid-19 pandemic as represented by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1558/jld.19450Keywords:
COVID-19, social inequality, linguistic diversity, crisis communicationAbstract
The strategic contingency plans on all levels in Norway include references to possible needs for translating and adapting information flow into other languages. However, the situation at the grassroot level shows that these measures have not been considered an essential service. Valuable time passed during the first wave of COVID-19 until different public actors figured out their responsibilities and before the information was translated, adapted, and given, via appropriate media, to the beneficiaries. This article analyses actors and actions in eight online articles published by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, NRK, focusing on crisis communication, and linguistic diversity in Norway during the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic (March–June 2020). The analysis shows that the pandemic becomes a magnifying glass on the society uncovering social challenges like lack of trust in the authorities, stigmatization, and social inequality.
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