Language’s Role in Shaping Aid Outcomes: Why Words Matter in Humanitarian Work
By Jeremie Jean-Baptiste
Published March 4, 2025
When we think about aid, we often focus on numbers—how many people receive support, how much funding goes into programs, and how many resources are distributed. But one of the most powerful and overlooked elements in aid work is language. The words we use, the languages we communicate in, and the assumptions we make about communication all shape the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts.
Why Language Matters in Aid Work
Language is not just about words—it determines who gets access to aid, who understands critical information, and who feels included in the process. When humanitarian organizations fail to prioritize language, entire communities are left out of decisions that directly affect them. This isn’t just a communication issue—it’s about power and equity.
In humanitarian crises, language barriers can mean the difference between life and death. In Haiti, for example, after the 2021 earthquake, international organizations issued aid response documents in English, despite the fact that Haitian Creole is the primary language spoken by 95% of the population (Petras 2021). Without clear communication in a language people understand, those in need may be unable to access the services meant to help them.
The Problem with Traditional Aid Language
Many aid organizations still use outdated, Western-centric terminology that does not reflect the realities of the communities they serve. Words like “beneficiaries” and “interventions” reinforce a top-down approach, positioning international actors as “saviors” rather than recognizing the expertise and leadership within local communities (Hendrix-Jenkins 2020).
Language and Power in Humanitarian Aid
The dominance of English and French in aid work continues to exclude local voices from decision-making. Reports, funding applications, and meetings are often conducted in languages that many affected populations do not speak fluently. This reinforces existing power imbalances, where only those who speak the dominant language can fully participate in shaping aid efforts (Petras 2021).
Conclusion
Language shapes how aid works—not just through translation, but in the words we choose. When we use the wrong language, we reinforce power imbalances, making communities seem like passive recipients rather than active participants. Changing how we communicate isn’t just about understanding, it’s about fairness, respect, and ensuring people have control over their own futures. We must move beyond outdated, top-down approaches to aid and use language that reflects dignity, partnership, and local leadership. Language isn’t just a tool, it’s the foundation of effective and just humanitarian work.
References
Al Shamsi, Hilal, et al. “Implications of Language Barriers for Healthcare: A Systematic Review.” Oman Medical Journal, vol. 35, no. 2, 2020, doi:10.5001/omj.2020.40.
Alkateb-Chami, Maya. “Lost in Translation: How Language Discrepancies Between Home and School Shape Literacy.” Harvard Graduate School of Education, 6 Mar. 2024, https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/news/24/03/lost-translation.
Hendrix-Jenkins, Ann. “It’s Time to Put an End to Supremacy Language in International Development.” openDemocracy, 4 Aug. 2020, https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/transformation/its-time-to-put-an-end-to-supremacy-language-in-international-development.
Petras, Rebecca. “Opinion: The Power — and Peril — of Language.” Devex, 20 Sept. 2021, https://www.devex.com/news/opinion-the-power-and-peril-of-language-101541.Wyatt, Jocelyn. “Dignity Through Dialogue: Redefining Language in Humanitarian Aid.” Humanitarian Practice Network, 1 Oct. 2024, https://odihpn.org/publication/dignity-through-dialogue-redefining-language-in-humanitarian-aid