Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Archives

CLEAR Global Glossaries

In humanitarian response, field workers must communicate important, sometimes life-saving information to those in need. In many cases, the critical link to ensuring affected people understand is the interpreter. However, too often, that link is broken, either because concepts do not translate well into the target language or because the interpreter does not have the […]

Language use in Somalia: research report

Humanitarian organizations responding to acute and widespread food insecurity in Somalia lack data to understand and address language-based exclusion. Read our report and recommendations for responding organizations – click to view and download (English). Together with Minority Rights Group International and others, we also researched how far Maay Somali speakers understand critical health information in […]

Pakistan floods information gap research report – English

Facing floods in Pakistan A dangerous information gap – read the report. Flood-affected communities in Sindh and South Punjab lack the information they need to access assistance, avoid further harm, and prepare for future floods. In February 2023, CLEAR Global and Pattan Development Organisation studied people’s comprehension of flood-related information materials. To ensure marginalized language speakers […]

Pakistan Languages, Flood Risks, and Cellphone Infrastructure – key insights

Areas at high risk of flooding face varied language and communication challenges. To inform better planning and response, we compiled data on flood risk, cell phone infrastructure and language use in an interactive map that highlights important gaps and barriers to effective communication with at-risk populations. Read key insights here.

Language use in Somalia: Quantitative research findings

An analysis of language data collected in REACH’s Assessment of Hard-to-Reach Areas in Somalia. Click to read and download the report in English. These findings challenge a widespread perception that Northern Standard Somali (Mahaa) is used and understood by all, and mutually intelligible with Maay and Benadiri Somali. To further understand the language challenges internally displaced […]