Communication Between Cultures

from Pakistan will avoid hot foods in the summer and cold foods in the winter. Both

Chinese and traditional Islamic medicine subscribe to the hot–cold food theory as a

means of maintaining health and warding off illness.^59

According to Giger, some Mexican Americans“believe that health may be the

result of good luck or a reward from God for good behavior,”^60 which could provide

motivation for piety. Many cultural groups believe that disease can be the result of

supernatural causes and subscribe to the use of amulets or charms to ward off illness

and ensure good health. Amulets made of blue beads or blue stones may be worn by

Afghans to guard against the evil eye.^61 In Japan, amulets (omamori) for good health,

childbirth, prosperity, and a variety of other goals can be purchased at almost every

Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple.

Our examination of explanations, treatments, and prevention of illnesses should

convince you that a patient’s cultural beliefs can affect healthcare and well-being.

However, before moving to the next facet of cultural influences in healthcare, we

need to apprise you of an important consideration. Even though some of the beliefs

and practices may seem unusual, keep in mind that many cultures have not yet expe-

rienced the technological and economic benefits so common in developed societies.

As a result, these less developed societies have little choice but to rely on traditional

healthcare customs, even though they might be harmful. However, Western medi-

cine, like the Western media, is rapidly reaching more people worldwide. As a conse-

quence, while still adhering to some of their traditional healthcare practices, many

cultures are becoming aware of and adopting Western scientific/biomedical

approaches, either alone or in conjunction with traditional cultural practices, to treat

illnesses.

Language Diversity in Healthcare

The criticality of language in the healthcare setting is obvious, and it pervades all

levels of patient–caregiver interactions. To ensure a correct diagnosis and treatment

prescription, the doctor–patient exchange requires a full and accurate understanding

of the patient’s symptoms. The nursing staff must be able to comprehend the patient’s

questions and responses in order to provide needed care. Pharmacists and therapists

have to be able to give understandable instructions about prescribed medications

and treatment regimens. As illustrated by the exchange between Hanako and the lab-

oratory technician in the box below, the lack of a common language, coupled with

usage of medical specific terminology, can complicate even simple exchanges.

The issue of language in U.S. healthcare is especially acute due to the great popu-

lation diversity and varied levels of language skills. According to U.S. census data, in

2011 approximately 38 percent of the

people five years or older spoke

English “less than very well,” and

the figure rose to 50 percent for the

46 million individuals reporting hav-

ing no health insurance coverage.^62

(While the Affordable Care Act has

reduced the number of people with-

out health coverage, it has no impact

on English-speaking skills.) These

CONSIDER THIS

Hanako, a first-year graduate student from Japan, had visited the

campus infirmary and was told she needed a blood test. At the

medical laboratory, the lab tech asked,“Are you fasting?”

Hanako replied,“No, I am Hanako Suzuki.”

Language Diversity in Healthcare 371

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