‘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)

Authors

  • Tatjana Radanović Felberg OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/jld.19450

Keywords:

COVID-19, social inequality, linguistic diversity, crisis communication

Abstract

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.

Author Biography

  • Tatjana Radanović Felberg, OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University

    Tatjana R. Felberg is an associate professor at the Department of Intercultural Studies and Interpreting at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University. Her research interests encompass various topics within the field of interpreting in the public sector as well as connections between language, identity and social justice. Some of her relevant publications include:

    Felberg, Tatjana R. (2016) Impoliteness – a challenge to interpreters’ professionalism. FLEKS – Scandinavian Journal of Intercultural Theory and Practice 3(1). https://doi.org/10.7577/fleks.1683

    Felberg, Tatjana R. and Šarić, Ljiljana (2017) In transit: Representations of migration on the Balkan route. Discourse analysis of Croatian and Serbian public broadcasters (RTS and HRT online). Journal of Language Aggression and Conflict 5(2): 227–50. https://doi.org/10.1075/jlac.5.2.04fel

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Published

2021-11-24

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Radanović Felberg, T. . (2021). ‘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). Journal of Language and Discrimination, 5(2), 90–117. https://doi.org/10.1558/jld.19450