You are invited to attend this week’s talk organized by the Department of Translation and Interpretation.
Speaker : Zeynep Şengel, Bilkent University
Title : Migration and Accessibility: Is Plain Language an option?
Date : 20 April 2026
Time : 12.30-13.20
Venue : FF-B 05
Abstract: This talk presents research on the role of Plain Language as a communicative strategy in migration contexts, with a particular focus on Syrian refugees in Turkey. Accessibility is approached as both a human rights and development concern (United Nations, 2013), and the study examines how institutional communication can be made more understandable, usable, and effective for vulnerable populations. According the International Plain Language Federation, Plain Language is communication that enables users to find, understand, and use information effectively. Despite Turkey’s central role in global migration, hosting over 3.5 million Syrian refugees, accessible communication and Plain Language practices remain underexplored. The study explores whether Plain Language reduce miscommunication, strengthen trust in institutions, and support more active participation.
Bio: By profession a conference interpreter with 20 years of experience and currently Vice-President of the Turkish Conference Interpreters Association (TKTD), Şengel has been an instructor at Bilkent University’s Department of Translation and Interpreting since 2021. She has delivered interpreting services at technical meetings, international conferences, and high-level bilateral, multilateral meetings for various national and international institutions and private sector organizations. She received her M.A. in Conference Interpreting (Bilkent University) in 2008 and Ph.D. in Translation and Interpreting (Hacettepe University) in 2025. Her dissertation focused on plain language as a means of accessibility in the context of migration. Her research interests also include interpreting and interpreter training, ergonomics, and technology use in translation and interpreting.