Covid Briefings- Institutional Racism

[fiction-factory]

Just heard an interesting interview on the radio with Professor Bhopal who was saying how we need action now not more research and talking on institutional racism and the effects of Covid on people from BAME groups. When asked to give an example of institutional racism he cited the daily Covid briefings which are aimed at educated English speaking white people. He said they should be done in a variety of languages- say a minute in a Urdu then a minute in another language, then another. My first thought was to dismiss it- but he has a point doesn't he? Maybe leave the briefings as they are but occasionally have a respected person from alternative communities speaking in Arabic or Urdu or Chinese or Jamaican patois so the messages can get to more sections of the population. At least the Gov.uk website Covid pages should be available in say 10 different languages and the 2m signs should be in different lanuages. Should we go further?
(Asking for a friend.)

[dannyk13]

What a load of cobblers.

[douglas9401]

I suppose those who can't speak English could just go to one of the satellite channels set up for them or use local radio if on the go.

Maybe enquire as to when night school for languages is likely to start again while they're at it.

[naomi24]

Sigh ...

[Jackdaw33]

Those who need a translation into their native language are welcome to return to those countries where it is predominant.

[Mamyalynne]

Translated transcripts of the briefings to be available after broadcast may not be a bad idea.

[dannyk13]

Then do you add all the Eastern European languages as well?

[tiggerblue10]

Not always possible Jackdaw. Asylum seekers, refugees etc., may not understand English.

[Mamyalynne]

It would be problematic deciding which languages to include, however it was purely a helpful comment rather than a straight dismissive one.

[Jackdaw33]

And what about the Welsh?

[fiction-factory]

The Welsh have their own briefing each day, I think, from the Welsh government.

[jim360]

// Those who need a translation into their native language are welcome to return to those countries where it is predominant. //

International travel is difficult enough at the moment without adding a mass relocation programme into the mix. Besides, even if you accept that people should learn the language of the country they are in, that's an issue that shouldn't be regarded as vital to ensure proper health advice is delivered *now*, when it's needed. Encouraging people to learn English in the UK I have no problem with, but in the short-term ensuring that they still get the latest health advice and information seems more urgent.

[dannyk13]

Lynne //it was purely a helpful comment//
My post regarding other nationalities was just a general comment, not aimed at anyone.

[naomi24]

Seems we’re being swamped with cries of racism right now. It’s coming from every direction and at every opportunity. Much more and it could well have the opposite effect to that intended.

[dannyk13]

Jim, it is impractical to cover all the different languages that abound in the UK.

[Spicerack]

Said this 3 months ago. No-one cared.

[EdmundD]

Just how many languages/dialects would you choose? English is the national language. Do other countries do this?

[douglas9401]

I doubt there are too many non speakers tuning into and English language broadcast anyway, much the same as I very rarely venture to the Arabic or Sub-Continent dedicated channels for my news.

Who in their right mind would? Unless for an argument about typical privilege nonsense.

[jim360]

// Jim, it is impractical to cover all the different languages that abound in the UK. //

No doubt, but that shouldn't be a reason to try and cover at least a few more. Just because a thing is impossible doesn't mean it's not worth trying.

[dannyk13]

Jim, and then you could get accusations of racism from language speakers who you leave out.It id not practical.

[retrocop]

The race card has already been played against the NHS management. It has been suggested that BAME doctors and nurses were knowingly placed in hospital covid treatment and care areas in an unfair proportion to their white colleagues.