Module 2: Language Barriers
Although the national language is English in the United States and Canada, there are many people seeking healthcare who do not proficiently speak English. Twelve percent of the population of the U.S. speaks a language other than English.(1) You should expect to encounter a language barrier during your time as a volunteer. You are most likely to be exposed to populations with “limited English proficiency,” meaning that they have difficulty reading, speaking, writing, or understanding English, although they may be able to communicate basic concepts verbally.(2)
If you are working at a community center, it is possible that you may be around others who speak both English and the community member’s native language, but it will initially be frustrating not to be able to speak directly with community members, even if those around you can act as ad-hoc translators. The best approach in such a situation is to step back and calmly embrace what is new and unfamiliar. You will learn that smiles and hand gestures go a long way in communicating and connecting with people. You may even discover new joys and profundity that you otherwise would never have known. As Pradeep Mettu, Unite For Sight Volunteer in Chennai, India, wrote about his experience: “The language barrier ultimately made the experience even more meaningful. Since communication was always an issue, I learned a great deal about the human touch and the intangibles that create a universal language between the health care provider and the patient."
Go To Module 3: Working With Translators >>
Footnotes
1 US Bureau of the Census Cited by: Hornberger J, Itakura H, Wilson SR. Bridging language and cultural barriers between physicians and patients. Public Health Rep. Sept/Oct 1997; 112:410-417.
2 “What is Cultural Competency?” Office of Minority Health, US Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed on 4/14/09 < http://www.omhrc.gov/templates/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlID=11>