Do multilingual androids dream of a better life in Australia? Effectiveness of information technology for government translation to support refugees and migrants in Australia

Abstract

Without high‐quality translation of online information about government support and services, refugees and migrants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Australia experience a major barrier to improved health, employment, education and social outcomes. Recent advances in the ability of Google Translate, Skype Translator and other forms of machine translation that use artificial intelligence can help translate government information to better support refugees and migrants but they bring the risk of ineffective communication, and exclusion from services that could positively impact on settlement experiences and daily life. Evidence suggests that government agencies are likely to be using human translators for most translation work, but the degree to which any form of information technology is used, how it may be best applied and the associated effects are not known. This study systematically reviewed the peer‐reviewed and grey literature to determine effective ways of using information technology for translating government information to refugees and migrants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Australia. Included studies were analysed to identify techniques and other characteristics of translation, information technology and language support more broadly, and outcomes on education, health, social and other refugee and migrant experiences relating to translated information. Our review found a small evidence base featuring studies with strong evaluation demonstrating effective forms of ‘language support’ for refugees and migrants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Australia in a broad sense. However, there is a major gap in knowledge that is contributing to barriers in the use of online government information in Australia. In particular, there is an absence of evidence demonstrating what is effective in the use of machine translation with artificial intelligence, websites and other kinds of information technology for translating government information with refugees and migrants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The oversight risks further excluding already marginalised groups from services and support. This paper makes a number of suggestions practitioners can take to address the issue and guidelines for future research.

Telehealth, COVID-19 and Refugees and Migrants in Australia: Policy and Related Barriers and Opportunities for More Inclusive Health and Technology Systems

“…Participatory techniques with a diverse range of people from refugee and migrant communities have the potential to better reach many refugees and migrants given ongoing issues with engagement in the health system and the English language barriers of many existing national health surveys. 24 Evaluation of the recent policy changes to Medicare for telehealth is also necessary. Evaluation needs to increase understanding of impact from the changes, at a national level, with refugees and migrants.…”

“…Changes that reduce legislative barriers to government support for employment, education, housing, training and language programs could play a major role in increasing the amount and diversity of refugees and migrants able to use the basic technological functions of telehealth. Extending access to government support for those on temporary VISAs to address issues with unemployment and language support programs, 24 for example, may help more refugees and migrants to access the funds and develop the skills necessary telehealth. Such changes would also improve the Australian governments’ ability to address the social determinants of health and support evidence-based communication.…”

“…Past qualitative studies suggest refugees and migrants of different age groups and with different levels of educational background and English language ability use the internet and other online platforms in meaningful and positive ways for their health, including accessing health information in languages other than English. 24 However, barriers to information technology and health information persist, especially for older people, women with family responsibilities and those with relatively lower levels of literacy and skills in the use of information technology. In some communities, there are also cultural preferences relating to the importance of trust and face-to-face communication for health.…”

“…Participatory techniques with a diverse range of people from refugee and migrant communities have the potential to better reach many refugees and migrants given ongoing issues with engagement in the health system and the English language barriers of many existing national health surveys. 24 …”

Cross‐sector collaboration for refugee employment: An anthropology of development perspective

“…Many of these people will eventually settle in a new country, where they will need to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. Engaging in meaningful work with a sufficient wage is a key predictor of successful refugee settlement (Fozdar & Hartley, 2013), yet multiple barriers to securing appropriate employment have been documented for refugees and people seeking asylum (Besic et al, 2022; Hiruy et al, 2019; O'Mara & Carey, 2019). Resettlement support is often provided indirectly by host governments, by commissioning third‐sector organisations to develop and deliver social, humanitarian, political and cultural services, including employment support.…”