What are the most effective language use analysis methods for international humanitarian aid?

1 Discourse analysis

Discourse analysis is the examination of how language is used to create meaning and influence in various situations. It can help aid workers identify the dominant narratives, values, and ideologies that shape the perceptions and behaviors of the people they work with. For example, discourse analysis can reveal how different groups of people frame the causes and solutions of a humanitarian crisis, or how they negotiate power and authority in their interactions. By understanding the discourses that influence the people's realities, aid workers can design and implement interventions that are more relevant, respectful, and responsive.

2 Corpus analysis

Corpus analysis is the analysis of large collections of texts or speech, using software tools that can identify patterns, frequencies, and associations of words and phrases. It can help aid workers discover the linguistic features and variations that characterize the language use of the people they serve. For example, corpus analysis can show how different words or expressions are used to convey emotions, needs, or opinions, or how they vary across regions, genders, or age groups. By learning the linguistic nuances and diversity of the people's language use, aid workers can communicate more effectively and appropriately with them.

3 Conversation analysis

Conversation analysis is the analysis of how people interact through spoken language, paying attention to the structure, sequence, and function of their utterances. It can help aid workers understand the social norms and expectations that govern the people's communication styles and strategies. For example, conversation analysis can reveal how people initiate, maintain, or end conversations, how they signal agreement or disagreement, how they request or offer information or assistance, or how they manage conflicts or misunderstandings. By recognizing the conversational rules and routines of the people's interactions, aid workers can build rapport and trust with them.

4 Critical discourse analysis

Critical discourse analysis is the analysis of how language is used to construct and challenge social inequalities and injustices. It can help aid workers expose and address the underlying causes and consequences of the humanitarian problems that affect the people they serve. For example, critical discourse analysis can uncover how language is used to create or reinforce stereotypes, prejudices, or discrimination, or how it is used to resist or challenge oppression, domination, or marginalization. By questioning and transforming the discourses that shape the people's situations, aid workers can promote human rights and social justice.

5 Multimodal analysis

Multimodal analysis is the analysis of how language is combined with other modes of communication, such as images, sounds, gestures, or symbols. It can help aid workers appreciate and utilize the multiple resources and channels that the people they serve use to communicate. For example, multimodal analysis can show how people use visual aids, such as maps, diagrams, or photos, to complement their verbal messages, or how they use non-verbal cues, such as eye contact, facial expressions, or body language, to convey their attitudes, intentions, or emotions. By integrating and interpreting the multimodal aspects of the people's communication, aid workers can enhance their understanding and engagement with them.

6 Pragmatic analysis

Pragmatic analysis is the analysis of how language is used to achieve specific purposes and effects in different contexts. It can help aid workers adapt and tailor their language use to suit the goals and situations of their aid work. For example, pragmatic analysis can help aid workers choose the appropriate language functions, such as informing, persuading, or instructing, to achieve their desired outcomes, or the appropriate language forms, such as formal, informal, or polite, to suit their roles and relationships. By applying and evaluating the pragmatic principles of their language use, aid workers can improve their effectiveness and efficiency in their aid work.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?