Cosmopolitan solidarity in crises: Volunteer translation as a prosocial collective action

Abstract

When a crisis happens, the affected region is very often culturally and linguistically diverse, with complex linguistic maps which are further complicated by the linguistic diversity of the rescue and humanitarian responders. Lesser-used languages often have fewer resources for provision of professional translators. Thus, the speakers of these languages depend on autonomous and civic solidarity (Agustín & Jørgensen, 2019), including support in translation and interpreting. For example, during the recent earthquake in Türkiye language support was provided by volunteer translators serving many national rescue teams and relief aid workers. In addition, during the 2015 refugee crises in Europe citizen groups used cultural activities to show solidarity. This article examines the act of translation as a prosocial activity that shows solidarity with the victims in crisis situations. It raises awareness about the linguistic challenges faced by communities in crisis situations and identifies strategies to overcome these challenges using volunteer translation. By narrating individual translator motivations, it identifies solidarity as a form of advocacy and empowerment, while showing empathy towards the crisis-affected people.