Intercultural disaster communication and community resilience: examining post-hurricane communication in communities with limited English-speaking proficiency

Abstract

This study theorizes the intercultural communication mechanisms that link disaster information systems and resources with residents who have limited English proficiency (LEP). By surveying 572 victims of Hurricane Florence (2018), Hurricane Beryl, and Hurricane Helene (2024), we employed PLS-SEM to test a path model that consists of community storytelling networks, geo-ethnic media use (English-language and non-English-language media use), perceived public officials’ cultural competence, and LEP residents’ perceived community resilience. Most hypotheses were supported, revealing that strong connections to community storytelling networks were significantly associated with increased use of both English and non-English media. Additionally, perceived cultural competence of public officials was significantly related to perceived community resilience. Theoretically, this study advances the understanding of how intercultural communication mechanisms promote disaster resilience among LEP populations. Practically, it identifies strategies to improve disaster communication by strengthening community networks, supporting geo-ethnic media, and enhancing public officials’ cultural competence.

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