The network, Languages and international NGOs: cultural knowledge in communities in crisis (LINGOS) brings together linguists, international relations specialists, NGOs and professional interpreters/translators in order to:
- enable the four groups to focus together on the specific issue of languages and international NGOs, and the role of local intermediaries;
- identify the current gaps in research and praxis around this issue;
- develop a series of key research questions related to these gaps in order to advance future work in the area;
- argue for the salience of this research agenda in the wider NGO community, and with relevant government agencies.
The Network comprises:
- language researchers working on the role of languages in conflict situations
- international relations researchers with a particular interest in the work of humanitarian organisations
- NGOs and humanitarian agencies which operate internationally
- professional interpreters and translators with a particular concern for the employment and security of locally recruited personnel.