8 September is recognised globally as UNESCO’s International Literacy Day. It’s an annual celebration that reminds the international community that literacy is a human right and the foundation of all learning.
International Literacy Day is a great reminder for you to assess how well your internal communications cater to people from different countries and cultures. This year’s theme is: “Promoting multilingual education: literacy for mutual understanding and peace”. We live in a diverse world, and adopting a multilingual approach to communication and education is increasingly necessary to unlock opportunities and enhance quality of life.
Using language to connect us
As communication and design experts, we understand the value of employees having equal access to the information they need at the right time and in the right way. Not only can this benefit their understanding of complex financial subjects like share plans which are less common in certain countries, but it ensures that inclusivity is a consideration throughout the employee journey.
One of the ways we include everyone is through our translations service, to ensure that all employees receive the same information. We translate everything from printed marketing materials to microsites to videos.
Reading for knowledge
When I think about my own relationship with literacy, it goes beyond simply being able to read and write. There are a few books that have impacted my understanding and awareness of language and communities. Reading is a great source of inspiration and escapism, but it can also educate people about the world they live in.
Here are a few of my favourite books that explore themes of language, education, culture and community.
- Babel, by R.F. Kuang explores the imperialism, capitalism, and the use of language and translation as the dominating tool, set in an alternative reality of 1830s England.
- Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop, by Hwang Bo-reum (translated by Shanna Tan). Set in a neighbourhood in Seoul, it explores the themes of community and how each of these people can help each other get over any events in their past.
- The Secret History, by Donna Tartt. Set in an elite New England college, this book investigates themes of language, education, culture and community, but looking at when these are pushed to the extreme with added hubris.
I encourage you to add these to your reading list – hopefully they’ll inspire you to think differently about some of these themes and the value of our everyday conversations and interactions.
If you’d like support with translations or copywriting, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!
