Language Inclusion in Museums [Paperback]

Museums are responsible for sharing and preserving cultural records in an accessible way with and for the communities around them. In the United States, over 100 million people speak languages other than English, yet most museums prioritize solely English. This causes visitors who speak languages other than English to feel othered, ignored, and excluded, hindering their relationships with museums. Museums must dismantle these monolinguistic pillars by committing to language inclusion outside of accessibility.
This book addresses reasons to remedy the lack of language inclusivity, explains research-based benefits of multilingualism, and establishes translation guidelines to make museums more equitable and accessible.

Asami Robledo-Allen Yamamoto, M.A., is an art educator, doctoral student, and artist advancing equity in museums. Her research focuses on inclusive practices in museums and the preservation of Latino culture.

Fuji Robledo Yamamoto, Ph.D., LCSW, is a researcher focused on community-based research, mental health technology, and trauma-informed care. She studied Information Science at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Gabriela Perez, M.A., is a museum professional exploring bilingual programs' impact on underrepresented communities and aiming to empower visitors of all ages.

Language Inclusion in Museumswarmly invites readers to reimagine museums as vibrant multilingual spaces where every visitor has the potential to feel heard and valued. Drawing on personal experience, research, and real-world case studies, the authors, who know firsthand the transformative power of language inclusion, offer both inspiration and practical strategies.
Whether you are just beginning to explore multilingualÓ-