Cultural Mediation in Translation Series: Cultural Mediation in Crisis Translation

Foreword

In an increasingly globalized world, the ability to effectively mediate between cultures through translation and interpreting is more critical than ever. The objective of this research series is to facilitate the integration of theoretical frameworks with practical applications in cultural mediation. Additionally, it seeks to enhance comprehension of the function of cultural mediation in translation and interpreting, offering both theoretical insights and practical strategies to facilitate intercultural communication in global contexts.

This series will examine the multifaceted roles of cultural mediators, dissecting how they can overcome intercultural challenges and enhance communication in multilingual contexts. By delving into both the theoretical underpinnings and real-world applications, the series will provide readers, including students, practicing professionals, and scholars, with the essential tools and knowledge to understand and implement effective cultural mediation strategies. A mixed-method approach will be employed, with theoretical discussions accompanied by case studies drawn from real-world translation scenarios. This will ensure that each subtopic is supported by examples of contemporary practice, thereby illustrating the application of theories in tangible settings. Furthermore, this series will add to the existing body of knowledge by synthesizing current theories and practices in cultural mediation while offering new insights into its application in professional translation and interpreting contexts. The goal is not only to inform but also to inspire a deeper appreciation of the intricacies involved in translation and interpreting, highlighting the vital role of cultural mediation in fostering global understanding and cooperation. Various studies related to bilingualism in cultural mediation will complement the content of this series, investigating its impact on the process, its necessity, and the role of culture in translation. It is the combination of theoretical analysis and case studies, augmented by illustrative examples, that renders this series distinctive.

The series is divided into the following chapters:

• Cultural Mediation in Translation Series: Bilingualism in Intercultural Mediation

• Cultural Mediation in Translation Series: Mediation Translation

• Cultural Mediation in Translation Series: Translation Strategies for Mediation

• Cultural Mediation in Translation Series: Skopos Theory in Translation

• Cultural Mediation in Translation Series: Interpreters vs Cultural Mediators

• Cultural Mediation in Translation Series: Cultural Mediation in Crisis Translation

In the concluding chapter of this six-part series on Cultural Mediation in Translation, the urgent and intricate function of cultural mediation during crises, especially regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, is examined. Crisis translation is a developing and cross-disciplinary area that has become increasingly important during the worldwide health crisis. It involves the immediate, critical translation and distribution of public information across different languages and cultures, frequently within diverse, multilingual communities. In this context, cultural mediation is vital for ensuring that information is not only accurately translated but also adapted contextually in ways that promote trust, compliance, and emotional stability.

Although much of the current literature on crisis translation emphasizes immigrant-receiving nations like the United States, Canada, or various European regions, this chapter introduces a distinct and less studied example: the Greater Bay Area (GBA) in China. Based on Zhang et al. (2023), it was investigated that the cultural mediation practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic in university communities, where non-Chinese speakers, frequently international students and faculty experienced linguistic and cultural vulnerabilities. This case illustrates the crucial function of community-based citizen translators and interpreters who frequently engage in responsibilities extending well beyond mere linguistic translation.

This article examines the difficulties encountered in mediation, translation techniques, and social interactions that influenced crisis translation activities in the GBA. This perspective allows translators and interpreters to gain insights into the changing function of their roles as cultural intermediaries, especially in contexts where institutional support systems are lacking or nonexistent. Additionally, this piece explores how  their work aided social cohesion, emotional assistance, and fair access to public health information in multilingual communities, which can be considered essential elements of public health achievement during a global crisis.

Crisis Translation and Cultural Mediation

Crisis translation involves translating essential information in emergencies, such as natural disasters, conflicts, and pandemics. Such instances require swift and transparent transmission of crucial instructions, health precautions, safety measures, and information from officials. Language obstacles in emergencies can heighten social disparities, making language minorities more susceptible to misinformation, marginalization, or limited access to services. In this context, cultural mediation proves to be essential. In contrast to conventional translation, which focuses on semantic precision, cultural mediation also takes into account the cultural expectations, emotional requirements, and social contexts of intended audiences. During a health crisis like COVID-19, cultural mediation can shape how individuals perceive risk, trust in authorities, and respond to public health guidelines. This involves modifying not just language but also tone, visual elements, rhetorical techniques, and even distribution formats, ranging from formal press releases to infographics and social media posts.

The urgent and emotionally charged nature of a crisis often requires cultural mediators to make ethically significant decisions on the spot. Should they focus on exact accuracy or audience understanding? How can they remain unbiased while making sure the information connects with culturally relevant issues? These inquiries become increasingly intricate in a setting such as China’s GBA, where non-Chinese speakers are often dependent on others for navigating local regulations and obtaining healthcare, frequently lacking institutional interpreting support.

Figure 1: Covid 19 Pandemic. Pexels.

Contextual Background: The Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Linguistic Vulnerability

The GBA represents one of China’s most economically vibrant and globally connected areas, including cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. These metropolitan areas contain substantial numbers of global students, researchers, and specialists, many of whom were present in the area during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although these people are not conventional immigrants, they frequently inhabit semi-permanent accommodations and depend on university networks for information and service access.

Zhang et al. (2023) explore the impact of the crisis on these linguistically minoritized groups, especially within university environments. Communication from the Chinese government was predominantly in Mandarin, a language that many international residents in the GBA are not fluent in speaking or reading. Consequently, these communities faced both informational neglect and emotional detachment, missing timely updates and culturally appropriate content concerning pandemic regulations, lockdowns, and healthcare.

This environment paved the way for citizen translators and multilingual members of the university community who willingly took on the role of cultural and linguistic intermediaries. They emerged as informal yet essential players in closing the communication divide between officials and international residents, interpreting not just language but also institutional reasoning, bureaucratic practices, and cultural subtleties.

Citizen Translators as Cultural Mediators

In situations of crisis where institutional language services are lacking or inadequate, the rise of citizen translators is a significant and increasingly studied occurrence. During the COVID-19 pandemic in the Greater Bay Area, they frequently comprised bilingual students, staff, faculty, and even local residents who were fluent in both Chinese and English, and other languages. What sets their role apart from traditional translators is not just their informal position but also the broader scope of duties they have taken on, duties that closely relate to the idea of cultural mediation.

Figure 2. Greater Bay Area. Pexels.

Zhang et al. (2023) indicate that these individuals were essential in offering unofficial yet vital translations of health announcements, quarantine regulations, testing protocols, and vaccine details. However, their role went well beyond language-related activities. They served as emotional anchors, cultural intermediaries, and social linkers, making certain that the translated material was comprehensible, culturally aware, and emotionally impactful. For example, official messages may have featured formal or technical terminology that could be seen as confrontational or perplexing to global audiences. Citizen translators frequently eased or contextualized this language, filling not just a linguistic but also an emotional and cultural gap.

Additionally, they made it their responsibility to reorganize information into various formats and platforms, including WeChat groups, email conversations, infographics, voice messages, and casual video tutorials. This multi-channel approach demonstrated a thorough comprehension of how various audiences seek and interpret information, especially during stressful situations. This adaptation demanded creativity, empathy, and ethical insight—traits that are not typically linked with translation itself, yet essential for cultural mediation.

Mediation Challenges in a Crisis 

Although citizen translators in the GBA made important contributions, they encountered various practical and ethical challenges. A major concern was obtaining precise and prompt information. Being non-official agents, they frequently depended on public updates or secondary sources, rendering their work susceptible to outdated or insufficient data. Moreover, swift policy alterations and conflicting communications from officials hindered the ability to ensure precision and coherence, compelling them to frequently update and redistribute information.

A significant challenge was the emotional effort required to handle the anxiety and uncertainty of their colleagues while keeping a composed and clear tone in translations. This combined challenge of translating under stress and simultaneously aiding the community's mental health illustrates the complex aspects of cultural mediation. It obscures the distinction between professional obligation and community involvement, prompting a reevaluation of the application of translation ethics in a crisis.

There were worries regarding accountability and trustworthiness. Without official qualifications or organizational support, citizen translators occasionally found it challenging to earn the trust of specific community members or to justify the validity of their translations. This points out a contradiction: although citizen translators were essential, their unofficial role made them vulnerable to possible scrutiny or legal danger, especially in a setting where government communication is closely regulated.

Figure 3: Economic Crisis. Pexels.

Translation Strategies for Efficient Cultural Mediation

The methods employed during the COVID-19 pandemic were influenced not only by language factors but also by the audience's social and emotional requirements. Zhang et al. (2023) highlight various strategies that have been effective in overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers within the university communities of the GBA.

The initial aspect involves simplification and clarification. Due to the complexity of bureaucratic language in many official Chinese notices, translators frequently transformed them into clear, simple English. This approach enhanced clarity and guaranteed that the main message remained intact during translation. The second strategy is contextualization. Translators offered contextual insights into culturally specific practices or policies (e.g., the reasoning behind certain quarantine regulations or contact tracing methods), aiding international residents in grasping the rationale for government measures. Adjusting tone is another effective approach. Acknowledging the necessity to prevent panic or opposition, translators modified the tone of translations to be more compassionate and community-focused, easing authoritative or punitive wording that might be misinterpreted. Lastly, in multimodal translation, instead of depending only on text, translators incorporated visuals, audio recordings, and digital materials to ensure the information would be accessible to individuals with differing literacy skills and digital behaviors. This encompassed translated infographics, questions and answers, and video explanations.

These tactics demonstrate that cultural mediation in crisis translation encompasses much more than merely conveying meaning between languages. It requires interpretive insight, emotional awareness, and the skill to discern underlying meanings in both languages and cultures.

Theoretical Implications for Translation and Mediation Studies

The situation of the GBA amid the COVID-19 pandemic raises significant theoretical inquiries for translation studies and cultural mediation research. Historically, translators and interpreters have been assigned roles that highlight impartiality, loyalty to the original text, and professional detachment. Nonetheless, the behaviors of citizen translators in this scenario demonstrate a shift in paradigms toward involved, participatory translation, in which the translator serves as both a cultural and emotional intermediary.

This change confronts the traditional conduit model of translation, which views the translator as an impartial medium for transferring messages. Instead, we observe a shift toward a mediated model, where the translator actively influences the meaning, tone, and effect of communication in reaction to social dynamics. According to Zhang et al., “citizen translators likely surpass mere linguistic mediation by taking on additional roles and social responsibilities to guarantee equitable access to public services in diverse communities (2023)”.

Figure 4: Translation Studies. Pexels.

Moreover, this situation encourages reexamining the distinctions between professional and non-professional translation. The effectiveness and commitment of citizen translators throughout the pandemic have shown that important mediation can happen beyond official training or certification frameworks, while also highlighting the necessity for improved institutional backing, ethical standards, and acknowledgment of these roles.

Broader Lessons from the Greater Bay Area Case

The GBA situation during the COVID-19 pandemic provides important insights into how cultural mediation can operate effectively in crisis, particularly in areas not usually viewed as receiving immigrants. A crucial insight is the significance of communication networks that originate from the grassroots level. Without multilingual public messaging from official sources, informal networks, often fueled by social media and personal connections, became crucial for spreading life-saving information.

These networks served not just as logistical pathways; they functioned as emotional frameworks. Citizen translators fostered a sense of unity and connection among isolated international groups, alleviating fear and confusion through reliable, empathetic, and culturally sensitive communication. In achieving this, they transformed into more than just messengers; they became agents of resilience within a delicate information ecosystem.

A second important lesson is the need to acknowledge the multilingual nature of contemporary urban areas, even in nations that might not consider themselves multicultural in a Western context. The GBA, like many globalized areas, contains increasingly varied populations whose access to services and information needs to be factored into public planning. Crisis often intensifies pre-existing disparities, rendering inclusive communication a concern of social equity as well as public health.

The third and possibly the most significant lesson is the necessity to reshape the idea of translation professionalism. Although training and certification are essential for ensuring quality, the GBA experience indicates that civic responsibility, cultural empathy, and local insight are similarly important traits, particularly in crisis translation, where community involvement and responsiveness frequently surpass bureaucratic accuracy.

Figure 5. Multilingualism. Pexels.

Future Insights for Crisis Translation and Cultural Mediation

With the world encountering increasingly frequent and intricate crises, including pandemics, climate catastrophes, geopolitical tensions, and large-scale migrations, the area of crisis translation is set to become even more crucial. This requires not only a honing of theory but also the creation of practical frameworks and training initiatives that integrate cultural mediation as an essential element.Future initiatives should concentrate on different aspects. For example, backing from institutions for citizen translators. Governments, universities, and NGOs can establish training programs for volunteers and digital resource centers to assist citizen translators prior to crises happening. These initiatives ought to provide fundamental translation ethics, techniques for multilingual communication, and training in cultural sensitivity. Additionally, acknowledgment of linguistic minorities at the policy level should create a significant impact.

Public health and emergency response systems should integrate language access strategies customized to the specific linguistic makeup of communities, acknowledging that equitable information is vital for community resilience. The incorporation of translation technologies is equally essential. Although machine translation can help expand communication initiatives, it must be implemented carefully and always accompanied by human cultural mediators who guarantee relevance, clarity, and emotional nuance.Additional case studies similar to Zhang et al. (2023) are required to broaden our comprehension of cultural mediation in non-Western, non-immigrant settings. This study needs to explore various types of mediation, including peer translation and digital storytelling, as valid methods of crisis communication. Investing in these sectors allows us to create more inclusive, adaptable, and compassionate systems of translation and mediation that can endure future challenges.

Figure 6: Crisis Translation. Pexels.

Cultural Mediation and Translation: Distinct Functions and Diverging Meanings 

In this final installment of the series on Cultural Mediation in Translation, the distinct and significant role of cultural mediation during crises, particularly emphasizing the COVID-19 pandemic in China’s Greater Bay Area, has been explored. The research conducted by Zhang et al. (2023) highlights how, in a non-immigrant setting, citizen translators filled the gap created by monolingual institutional communication, emerging not merely as linguistic facilitators but also as emotional supporters, cultural mediators, and social advocates.

Their research questions conventional models of translation and interpreting by demonstrating that there is far more at risk in a crisis than merely transferring information. Successful communication in a pandemic is not just a matter of language; it is a fundamentally human endeavor that demands an awareness of context, culture, and feelings. The capacity to establish trust, alleviate anxiety, and promote community through language is not a secondary skill; it is fundamental to crisis management.

By acknowledging the role of citizen translators as cultural intermediaries, we are prompted to reconsider our definitions of professionalism, legitimacy, and effectiveness in the field of translation. More significantly, we are reminded that language is always biased. It is consistently rooted in dynamics of authority, support, and connection. It is within those connections that cultural mediation reveals its most genuine and pressing form.

Final Reflections: Cultural Mediation in Translation

The six articles in this series have together charted the intricate landscape of cultural mediation in translation, showing it not merely as a fixed professional classification but as a fluid, contextually aware practice that traverses disciplines, roles, and communicative contexts. In conclusion, it is evident that cultural mediation goes beyond mere translation or interpreting; it embodies a communicative spirit grounded in empathy, flexibility, and intercultural understanding.Right from the beginning, the series emphasized  how mediation is fundamentally multifaceted. Utilizing Liddicoat (2015) and Deardorff’s core principles of respect, openness, curiosity, and mutual understanding, we observed that cultural mediation applies to various areas: legal, familial, socio-pedagogical, and professional. Mediators, from this perspective, are not impartial observers but proactive enablers of comprehension, especially in situations characterized by discord, cultural disparity, or imbalance. Language alone isn't the only instrument; mindset and cultural awareness are just as crucial.

Figure 7: Cultural Mediation. Pexels.

This series explored the distinct role of translators and interpreters as mediators between languages. This chapter highlighted the significant distinctions between traditional translation and mediation, with the former frequently tied to linguistic precision and the latter focused on connecting conceptual, emotional, and experiential divides. The translator's role was redefined as a social participant, reflecting Dendrinos’s (2006) perspective of mediators as negotiators and facilitators who actively navigate meaning in real-time. Practical implications, including text simplification, concept clarification, and tone adjustment, highlighted how bilingualism serves as a facilitator of cultural navigation, beyond mere message conversion.

The strategic dimension of mediation was then presented, examining how translation practices have transformed due to globalization and technological advancements. The application of translation techniques like lingua franca interaction, intercomprehension, and translational technologies highlighted the increasing demand for adaptable, audience-focused approaches. In this context, cultural mediation was regarded as both a responsive and anticipatory process: translators and interpreters need to foresee cultural discrepancies and implement methods that maintain not only the meaning but also cultural significance. Constraints such as changes in viewpoint and semantic alterations created opportunities for additional exploration into the relationship between bilingualism and strategic mediation.

The conversation subsequently intensified with the presentation of Skopos Theory, a functionalist translation approach that prioritizes purpose rather than form. This framework closely matched the principles of cultural mediation, as both emphasize contextual suitability and communicative purpose. The use of Skopos Theory in marketing and technical translation demonstrated how mediation may operate without direct bilingualism, emphasizing intentional modification instead. Nonetheless, the conflict between this functional method and more direct or literary translation traditions emphasized the necessity for refined training in choosing mediation strategies appropriate for the context.

A sharper contrast was highlighted in, which centered on the professional differences between interpreters and cultural mediators. This chapter discussed the persistent controversy in areas like public service and healthcare, where interpreters are frequently expected? to engage in cultural mediation without appropriate training or acknowledgment. Roy (2002) and Pöchhacker (2008) observed that the interpreter’s function has transformed from the conduit model into a sophisticated interaction of neutrality, empathy, and cultural negotiation. However, institutional limitations frequently hinder complete recognition of this change. This chapter prompted to reconsider the professional limits and expectations tied to both interpreters and mediators, while also highlighting the necessity for more precise standards and well-defined roles in practice.

Ultimately, the series concluded with an exploration of crisis translation, a domain where cultural mediation becomes crucial and even lifesaving. The case study of the Greater Bay Area (Zhang et al., 2023) illustrated how community members, untrained and unpaid, served as cultural mediators during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their efforts went well beyond simple translation: they organized, restructured, and personalized information to diminish fear, enhance accessibility, and foster social unity. This chapter demonstrated the ethical aspect of mediation, highlighting how a crisis  can elevate the translator from a technician to a moral agent and community supporter.

Figure 8: Globalization. Pexels.

Overall Conclusion: Cultural Mediation as a Critical 21st Century Competence

Throughout the series, a key understanding surfaces: cultural mediation in translation is not an isolated phenomenon but an essential aspect of all cross-cultural interaction. In schools, hospitals, courts, or communities dealing with crises, the capacity to convey meaning, values, and emotional tone between cultures is essential. It is also a practice that goes beyond formal education, frequently developing naturally in reaction to pressing social demands, as evidenced by the increase of citizen translators and unofficial mediators. This carries significant consequences for education and career advancement. Training programs for translators and interpreters should incorporate intercultural communication theory, ethics, and context-specific practice into their courses. Cultural mediators, regardless of their linguistic background, ought to receive training in conflict resolution, empathetic communication, and strategies for cultural adaptation. Policies and institutions need to acknowledge and reward the unrecognized efforts of those who facilitate cultural exchanges, particularly in times of crisis.

Additionally, being bilingual by itself does not ensure successful mediation. A blend of linguistic skills, cultural understanding, and critical thinking is necessary. The future of translation and interpreting is not solely about technology or language; it is deeply human. Cultural mediation occupies a central position among these skills, providing a structure for ethical, attentive, and inclusive dialogue in a world that is increasingly interlinked. With the increase in global challenges, the need for proficient cultural mediators in schools, hospitals, courts, international organizations, and communities will continue to rise. Speaking only two languages is insufficient. The genuine mediator communicates in the dialect of comprehension.

For the creator of this series, who is both a translator and an active watcher of intercultural interactions, this project carries profound personal and professional importance. Every chapter demonstrates both scholarly understanding and personal experience in managing the intricacies of translation, interpretation, and cultural mediation in practical contexts. In his practice, the author has frequently encountered the difficulty of transcending simple linguistic translation to tackle cultural misinterpretations, emotional subtleties, and evolving professional standards. These experiences have shown that translation now extends beyond texts; it involves people, relationships, and managing change.

In a professional context, the rising need for flexibility, technological skills, and cultural awareness has transformed the role of a translator. Observing the increasing gap between formal roles and real communicative requirements has highlighted the importance of promoting more cohesive and human-focused approaches. This series, therefore, represents more than an academic contribution; it symbolizes the translation professionals developing identity as an interpreter of meaning, rather than merely a bearer of words. It serves as a plea for acknowledging the human aspect in translation and honors all professionals who must continually adjust, educate themselves, and champion communication that honors not just the language but also the individuals behind it.

Considering the insights shared during this series, it is clear that cultural mediation is not an ancillary element to translation and interpreting; it is a fundamental and developing focus around which both disciplines are starting to center. Every chapter has unveiled the increasing intricacy of intercultural communication in modern society and highlighted the necessity for a more cohesive, flexible, and human-focused strategy for constructing meaning. Ranging from theoretical models to practical case studies, this series illustrates how cultural mediation offers a cohesive viewpoint that links diverse practices, translation, interpretation, conflict resolution, and civic participation into a unified and socially pertinent entity.

The series has also followed the parallel but interconnected evolution of translators and cultural mediators, illustrating that although their roles may vary across contexts, their teamwork and shared skills are essential. Translators and interpreters have historically acted as language mediators, yet in the modern interconnected and culturally varied world, their functions are growing more extensive. They are not merely language experts but frequently act as initial responders in communication emergencies, builders of public trust, and guides through cultural intricacies. Similarly, cultural mediators, whether professionally trained or naturally integrated into communities, provide a compassionate and relational aspect to communication, tackling the emotional and sociocultural elements that mere words cannot address.

The emphasis on crisis translation in this final chapter underscores possibly the most pressing demand for this merging. During emergencies, cultural mediators and translators need to collaborate closely to guarantee not only linguistic precision but also human understanding, cultural significance, and emotional awareness. Their efforts could truly decide if crucial information is comprehended, trusted, and acted upon. As technologies like machine translation gain popularity, the human aspect, offered by cultural mediators, becomes increasingly essential. Algorithms can analyze words, but only humans can understand emotion, intent, and context. This highlights that the relationship between translation and cultural mediation is not merely practical; it is vital, and it will increasingly strengthen as worldwide communication becomes more intricate and significant.

Ultimately, this series serves as a plea for action directed at educators, institutions, and policymakers. It encourages a reevaluation of how we educate and assist translators, interpreters, and mediators, advocating for the incorporation of intercultural competence, ethical reasoning, and context-awareness in every facet of professional growth. As communities become increasingly varied and issues become more global, the need for culturally sensitive communication will increase in every field, from healthcare and law to education, diplomacy, and humanitarian assistance. Cultural mediation provides not only a collection of tools but also a perspective, viewing language not as an obstacle, but as a link; not as a conclusion, but as a chance for more profound human interaction.

In conclusion, the series Cultural Mediation in Translation highlights a fundamental yet significant reality: communication transcends mere words; it involves individuals. The continuous interaction between cultural mediators and translators will keep influencing the future of worldwide comprehension, one discussion at a time.

References

Zhang, X., Chen, Y., & Lee, H. (2023). Citizen translation and community mediation during COVID-19: A case study from the Greater Bay Area. Journal of Crisis Communication Studies, 12(3), 188–210.

O’Brien, S., Federici, F., Cadwell, P., Marlowe, J., & Gerber, B. (2018). Translation in crisis contexts: A study of crisis translation practices in disaster settings. Language and Society, 47(2), 235–256.

Taibi, M., & Ozolins, U. (2016). Community Translation. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Inghilleri, M. (2005). The sociology of bilingualism and the politics of translation. The Translator, 11(1), 69–85.

Visual Sources

Figure 1. Pexels. Covid Pandemic(2024). http://www.pexels.com/es

Figure 2. Pexels. Greater Bay Area (2024). http://www.pexels.com/es

Figure 3. Pexels. Economic Crisis (2024). http://www.pexels.com/es

Figure 4. Pexels. Translation Studies (2024). http://www.pexels.com/es

Figure 5. Pexels. Multilingualism (2024). http://www.pexels.com/es

Figure 6. Pexels. Crisis Translation (2024). http://www.pexels.com/es

Figure 7. Pexels.Cultural Mediation (2024). http://www.pexels.com/es

Figure 8. Pexels. Globalization (2024). http://www.pexels.com/es