Overcoming Language Barriers: Police Introduction of Translation Tool
In a bid to enhance communication and promote understanding between police officers and non-German speakers during major international events, the Munich Police have developed a language app called Flap. The app, supported by Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, aims to provide clear and concise explanations of police measures during events like the Oktoberfest.
While there is no documented evidence of a specialized "Foreign Language Application Police" (Flap) unit within Bavaria or Germany, the app developed by the Munich Police and the Institute for German as a Foreign Language at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, offers translations in eleven national languages, including Ukrainian, Arabic, and Kurdish.
The app is designed to help officers communicate effectively with visitors who may not speak German, especially during the busy and potentially confusing Oktoberfest. It uses short animations to explain various police measures, such as identity checks and eviction notices, in a simple and easy-to-understand manner.
Minister Herrmann believes that clear communication is crucial for the success of police measures, particularly during events like the Oktoberfest, where cultural diversity meets different languages. He supports the use of Flap, emphasising its importance in explaining police measures efficiently in various languages.
The app also covers victim-oriented topics, such as explanations of domestic violence, which could potentially be relevant to visitors to the Oktoberfest. The goal of using Flap during the Oktoberfest is to promote understanding of police procedures, strengthen trust in police measures, and reduce prejudices.
The Munich Police have tested the app in pilot mode in several hundred deployments, and it has been well-received. The app is intended to help officers communicate with non-German speakers, making the Oktoberfest a more inclusive and welcoming event for all.
The Flap app, developed by the Munich Police and the Institute for German as a Foreign Language at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, has been designed to transform the lifestyle of police officers during events like the Oktoberfest by employing technology, offering translations in eleven national languages. General-news about this advancement highlights that Minister Herrmann supports the use of Flap, acknowledging its potential in fostering clear communication, particularly with non-German speakers, thereby enhancing understanding and promoting an inclusive environment.
