Navigating language discordance in public health care in rural South Africa: a qualitative descriptive study of occupational therapists’ perspectives

Ramafikeng, Matumo; Marshall, E. Anne

doi:10.1186/s12913-023-09658-3

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 50 publications

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“…Large cities are typical environments for cultural and linguistic development. They are centres where different backgrounds and ethnicities meet, creating space for complex cultural interactions (Ramafikeng & Marshall, 2023). In this context, Javanese, as one of the local languages, can potentially be displaced by national or international languages (Aziz et al, 2022).…”

Section: Public Interest Statementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sociopragmatic Study of Javanese Oral Discourse in Big City Communities as an Effort to Maintain Indigenous Language

Rohmadi,

Sudaryanto,

Andris Susanto

et al. 2023

RJAH

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This research delves into the sociopragmatic intricacies of Javanese oral discourse within urban communities, focusing on the role of language in preserving the indigenous Javanese language amidst the pressures of urbanization and language shift. As urbanization accelerates, traditional languages like Javanese face the risk of diminishing usage and cultural significance. This study aims to elucidate how urban Javanese speakers employ their native language in various communicative contexts, examining the sociopragmatic factors that influence language choice and language use patterns. The findings of this research contribute to the fields of sociolinguistics, linguistic anthropology, and language preservation. By shedding light on the sociopragmatic dimensions of language use, the study provides a nuanced understanding of how urban Javanese speakers navigate linguistic diversity and negotiate their cultural identity. This research emphasizes recognizing and supporting indigenous languages within urban settings as communication vehicles and cultural heritage and identity repositories. Ultimately, the study's outcomes can inform language revitalization initiatives and policy-making efforts to foster the enduring presence of Javanese within the rapidly changing landscape of urban communities.

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Section: Public Interest Statementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sociopragmatic Study of Javanese Oral Discourse in Big City Communities as an Effort to Maintain Indigenous Language

Rohmadi,

Sudaryanto,

Andris Susanto

et al. 2023

RJAH

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Book Review: Language Discordant Social Work in a Multilingual World: The Space Between by Hilde Fiva Buzungu

Suri,

Al Mubarokah,

Zulfickar

et al. 2024

Research on Social Work Practice

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Assessing language barriers in health facilities in Malawi

Taylor,

Kazembe

2024

BMC Health Serv Res

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Background Language barriers in healthcare lead to miscommunication between professionals and patients, thereby reducing the quality of and equitable access to healthcare. In African countries, the recognition and formal study of these barriers is severely limited despite Africa having more languages than any other continent. Our study investigates language barriers in healthcare facilities in Zomba district in Malawi, where three major local languages are spoken. Methods We employed a mixed methods approach and conducted a questionnaire-led study. Data were gathered at 22 health facilities, from 79 healthcare professionals and 312 outpatients using a semi-structured questionnaire. Findings were corroborated using document analysis to review legislation and policies, curriculum documents and patient notes. Results Language discordance emerged as a problem for professionals and patients. Both faced challenges due to vocabulary limitations for medical terms in English and Chichewa. Professionals did not receive training on how to effectively communicate medical concepts in local languages. Most patients did not speak English, which was used for all written records. Patient understanding of the information given to them verbally during consultations or in written health notes was very low, and this diminished their confidence in the diagnosis or treatment they received. Social factors including gender, age or patient experience, as well as patient literacy or perceived low literacy, poor rapport between healthcare professionals and patients, and a lack of privacy during consultations all exacerbated communication issues. Consequences of language barriers included unsatisfactory care experiences and compromised exchanges of health information. Strategies used by professionals to cope with these challenges were flexibility in the choice of language, reliance on physical checks and non-verbal communication indicators and the occasional use of ad-hoc interpretations. Conclusion Language barriers in healthcare facilities in Malawi have serious implications on the quality of healthcare provided. We propose solutions such as the development of dictionaries with phrases for symptoms and conditions, sensitisation courses that incorporate language considerations for both professionals and patients. Policies such as the provision of interpreters and staff allocation are discussed. We recognise that coordinated efforts at national and international levels are key to securing significant funding for effective interventions.

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Navigating language discordance in public health care in rural South Africa: a qualitative descriptive study of occupational therapists’ perspectives

Cited by 5 publications

References 50 publications

Sociopragmatic Study of Javanese Oral Discourse in Big City Communities as an Effort to Maintain Indigenous Language

Sociopragmatic Study of Javanese Oral Discourse in Big City Communities as an Effort to Maintain Indigenous Language

Book Review: Language Discordant Social Work in a Multilingual World: The Space Between by Hilde Fiva Buzungu

Assessing language barriers in health facilities in Malawi

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