Learning from COVID-19 communication with speakers of First Nations languages in Northern Australia: Yolŋu have the expertise to achieve effective communication

Purpose

Achieving effective communication about COVID-19 was recognised as crucial from the earliest stages of the pandemic. In the Northern Territory, where most First Nations residents primarily speak an Aboriginal language and few health staff share their languages and cultural backgrounds, achieving effective communication is particularly challenging. It is imperative that speakers of First Nations languages, who best understand their challenges and solutions, inform future health communication policy and practice. This study was conducted with one First Nations language group – Yolŋu¹, from North-East Arnhem Land – to share their experiences of COVID-19 communication.

Methods

Through a culturally responsive qualitative approach, a team of Yolŋu and other researchers engaged with Yolŋu community members and educators, and with Balanda² (non-Indigenous) staff who were involved in communicating about COVID-19 with Yolŋu. Data collection included in-depth interviews with 37 participants (27 Yolŋu, 10 Balanda) in their preferred languages, collaborative critical review of COVID-19 resources in Yolŋu languages, and documented researcher observations and reflections. The design was informed by extensive previous collaborative work in this context using culturally congruent methods.

Main findings

This study identified grave limitations in communication about COVID-19 with Yolŋu. COVID-19 communication was dominated by outsider prepared messages shared through social media and radio, often focusing on directives about what to do without explaining why. Inadequate engagement of Yolŋu in planning and implementation contributed to communication failure. Participants also identified how effective communication can be achieved: engaging local leaders and knowledge authorities at the outset to identify and implement locally relevant and feasible solutions; collaborative development of in-depth explanations matched to what Yolŋu want and need to know to make informed decisions; and face-to-face, ongoing communication in local languages by local educators, using communication processes aligned with Yolŋu cultural protocols and preferences.

Principal conclusions

Yolŋu have cultural knowledge, authority and processes to respond to health crises and communication challenges. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, dominant culture health communication processes and priorities were privileged. Persisting with communication approaches that are not informed by relevant and available evidence is unethical and ineffective. Sustained community led approaches to health communication, supported by health services and systems, are crucial to achieve effective health communication with speakers of First Nations languages beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.