Communication, media and discourse

Description: This two-year research project (1/2021 – 12/2022) is situated in the domain of multilingual and intercultural (digital) communication. The project aims to evaluate the multilingual Fedasil website (https://www.fedasilinfo.be) through a qualitative-quantitative analysis. Three data-sets were collected and analysed: (a) in-depth interviews and/or focus discussions (N=63) with applicants for international protection; (b) screen recordings of user experiences (N=26) while consulting the fedasilinfo.be website; (c) a survey conducted among staff working in the reception sector (N=174). Guided by the conclusions of this research, the follow-up research project 2022 aims to improve the basic digital competences of applicants for international protection by (1) identifyng the target audience, needs, and possible training opportunities (survey research) and (2) developing training initiatives and supporting tools.
Website research project: https://research.flw.ugent.be/en/projects/evaluation-fedasilinfobe
Promoter(s): July De Wilde , Katrijn Maryns , Ellen Van Praet
Researcher(s): Simon Hendrickx , Sari Goukens
Faculty / Faculties: Faculty of Arts and Philosophy
Period of time: 2021 - 2022

Description: While the world is currently facing one of modern times’ worst refugee crises, many countries are implementing restrictive refugee policies. Hence, public communication has become essential for refugee organizations' operations. As (international) refugee organizations significantly contribute to the public perception on refugees, this project critically investigates their public communication strategies towards the recent Syrian and Central African crises. We pay particular attention to (1) the production process by means of interviews with refugee organizations, (2) the practices of representing refugees, and (3) the reception of this communication by citizens, refugees and journalists. Apart from its topical nature and relevance for a better understanding of the political, economic and cultural dimensions involved in these organizations' public communication, this project provides a significant empirical contribution to key debates in the field of international communication.
Promoter(s): Stijn Joye
Researcher(s): David Ongenaert
Faculty / Faculties: Faculty of Political and Social Sciences
Period of time: 2017 - 2022