Pandemic information in 9 languages

ALL nine official languages are expected to be used when communicating essential Covid-19 information to citizens, in order to spread proper awareness.

This according tothe Pan South African National Language Board (PanSalb), who said they were aware of the critical importance of linguistic rights not being infringed on during the Covid-19 pandemic period because it could have an impact on the effectiveness of efforts to mitigate the virus.

PanSalb chief executive Bongumenzi Mpungose said: “The spread of Covid-19 in townships and informal settlements will pose a great threat to the health system, and language will play a pivotal role in ensuring that these people understand and are able to follow safety precautions.”

Mpungose said there were incidents reported of people beiing arrested for contravening lockdown regulations. However, it could also be argued that some simply did not understand the regulations.

“Most of the available Covid-19 information is in English. Out of sheer necessity, due to the gaps that currently exist within the government, PanSalb offered and has been assisting government departments to translate information. However, this is not enough,” he said.

The Use of Official Languages Act obligates government departments to have fully capacitated language units.

The deaf community did not feel inclusive when certain Covid-19 information was being disseminated at earlier stages.

After consultations between PanSalb, the National Command Council and the government, sign language was incorporated into media briefings.

Institute for the Humanities in Africa director Divine Fuh said: “The current World Health Organization and national guidelines are global experiments that need to be contextualised within the indigenous knowledge systems and daily realities of particular communities.”

Fuh said Covid-19 matters concerned every individual, and excluding anyone from information and understanding would put the country at risk.