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Case Study: English to Bengali Translation of COVID-19 Information Leaflets for Peterborough Council

Background: Peterborough is home to a diverse community, including a large Bengali-speaking population. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for clear and accurate public health information became critical in order to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure that all residents had access to guidance on safety measures, testing, vaccination, and support services. Peterborough Council recognized the importance of delivering this information in multiple languages to reach non-English speaking residents, especially those in marginalized communities.

Challenge: COVID-19 presented unprecedented challenges for local governments, including the need for rapid dissemination of vital public health information to all residents. For Bengali-speaking individuals, there was an urgent need to provide health and safety guidelines, COVID-19 symptoms, testing protocols, and vaccine information in their native language. Without translation services, there was a risk that Bengali-speaking residents might not fully understand the guidance, leading to potential non-compliance with public health measures and increased vulnerability to the virus.

The challenge for Peterborough Council was to ensure that Bengali-speaking residents received accurate, timely, and culturally appropriate information that they could understand and act upon.

Solution: To address this communication barrier, I was engaged by Peterborough Council to provide English to Bengali translation services for critical COVID-19 information leaflets. These leaflets covered a wide range of important topics, including:

  1. COVID-19 Symptoms and Prevention: Information on recognizing symptoms, the importance of self-isolation, and best practices for preventing the spread of the virus.
  2. Government Regulations and Guidelines: Translation of the latest government advice on lockdown measures, social distancing, and restrictions on gatherings.
  3. COVID-19 Testing Information: Guidelines on when and how to get tested, locations of testing sites, and instructions on how to interpret test results.
  4. Vaccination Campaign: Detailed information on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, eligibility, the importance of getting vaccinated, and how to book vaccination appointments.
  5. Support Services: Information on local support services, such as food distribution, financial assistance, and mental health resources for individuals impacted by the pandemic.

I worked closely with the council to ensure that the translations were accurate, culturally sensitive, and easy to understand. The language used was tailored to the specific needs of the Bengali community, ensuring that even those with limited literacy could easily grasp the critical messages.

Outcome: The translated leaflets were distributed both digitally and in print, through community centers, healthcare providers, mosques, and local grocery stores that catered to the Bengali-speaking population. Key outcomes of the project included:

  • Improved Access to Vital Information: Bengali-speaking residents were able to understand COVID-19 guidance in their own language, helping to protect themselves and their families from the virus.
  • Increased Compliance with Public Health Measures: With clear instructions on social distancing, mask-wearing, and isolation, the Bengali community was better able to follow government regulations, contributing to the overall public health effort.
  • Higher Vaccination Uptake: The translated vaccine leaflets helped alleviate fears and misinformation, encouraging more Bengali-speaking residents to get vaccinated, which played a role in protecting this vulnerable group.
  • Reduced Misinformation: By receiving accurate translations directly from the council, the Bengali community had access to reliable information, reducing the likelihood of misinformation spreading within their community.

Conclusion: The translation of COVID-19 information leaflets from English to Bengali for Peterborough Council was a crucial step in ensuring that all residents, regardless of language barriers, had access to life-saving public health information during the pandemic. This project not only supported the Bengali community in Peterborough but also contributed to the wider public health effort by promoting understanding, compliance, and safety during a critical time. It highlights the importance of multilingual communication in delivering inclusive public services, especially in times of crisis.