Interpreters
One of the greatest challenges in cross-cultural communication for nurses
occurs when the nurse and client speak different languages. After assessing
the language skills of the client who speaks a different language from the
nurse, the nurse may be in one of two situations: either struggling to
communicate effectively through an interpreter or communicating effectively
when there is no interpreter. Box 1-4 provides recommendations for
overcoming language barriers.
BOX 1-4 Overcoming Language
Barriers
Using an Interpreter
Before locating an interpreter, determine the language the client speaks
at home; it may be different from the language spoken publicly (e.g.,
French is sometimes spoken by well-educated and upper-class
members of certain Asian or Middle Eastern cultures).
After assessing client’s health literacy, use electronic devices such as
cell phones, tablets, and laptop computers to connect client with Web-
based translation programs.
Avoid interpreters from a rival tribe, state, region, or nation (e.g., a
Palestinian who knows Hebrew may not be the best interpreter for a
Jewish client).
Be aware of gender differences between interpreter and client. In
general, the same gender is preferred.
Be aware of age differences between interpreter and client. In general,
an older, more mature interpreter is preferred to a younger, less
experienced one.
Be aware of socioeconomic differences between interpreter and client.
Ask the interpreter to translate as closely to verbatim as possible.
Expect an interpreter who is not a relative to seek compensation for
services rendered.
, Recommendations for Institutions
Keep pace with assistive equipment and technology for people who
are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, and/or disabled.
Maintain a computerized list of interpreters, including those certified
in sign language, who may be contacted as needed.
Network with area hospitals, colleges, universities, and other
organizations that may serve as resources.
What to Do When There Is No Interpreter
Be polite and formal.
Greet the person using the last or complete name. Gesture to yourself
and say your name. Offer a handshake or nod. Smile.
Proceed in an unhurried manner. Pay attention to any effort by the
patient or family to communicate.
Speak in a low, moderate voice. Avoid talking loudly. There is often a
tendency to raise the volume and pitch of your voice when the listener
appears not to understand, but this may lead the listener to perceive
that the nurse is shouting and/or angry.
Use any words known in the patient’s language.
Use simple words, such as pain instead of discomfort. Avoid medical
jargon, idioms, and slang. Avoid using contractions. Use nouns
repeatedly instead of pronouns. For example, do not say, “He has been
taking his medicine, hasn’t he?” Do say, “Does Juan take medicine?”
Pantomime words and simple actions while verbalizing them.
Give instructions in the proper sequence. For example, do not say,
“Before you rinse the bottle, sterilize it.” Do say, “First, wash the
bottle. Second, rinse the bottle.”
Discuss one topic at a time. Avoid using conjunctions. For example, do
not say, “Are you cold and in pain?” Do say, “Are you cold [while
pantomiming]?” “Are you in pain?”
Validate whether the client understands by having him or her repeat
instructions, demonstrate the procedure, or act out the meaning.
Write out several short sentences in English, and determine the
person’s ability to read them.
One of the greatest challenges in cross-cultural communication for nurses
occurs when the nurse and client speak different languages. After assessing
the language skills of the client who speaks a different language from the
nurse, the nurse may be in one of two situations: either struggling to
communicate effectively through an interpreter or communicating effectively
when there is no interpreter. Box 1-4 provides recommendations for
overcoming language barriers.
BOX 1-4 Overcoming Language
Barriers
Using an Interpreter
Before locating an interpreter, determine the language the client speaks
at home; it may be different from the language spoken publicly (e.g.,
French is sometimes spoken by well-educated and upper-class
members of certain Asian or Middle Eastern cultures).
After assessing client’s health literacy, use electronic devices such as
cell phones, tablets, and laptop computers to connect client with Web-
based translation programs.
Avoid interpreters from a rival tribe, state, region, or nation (e.g., a
Palestinian who knows Hebrew may not be the best interpreter for a
Jewish client).
Be aware of gender differences between interpreter and client. In
general, the same gender is preferred.
Be aware of age differences between interpreter and client. In general,
an older, more mature interpreter is preferred to a younger, less
experienced one.
Be aware of socioeconomic differences between interpreter and client.
Ask the interpreter to translate as closely to verbatim as possible.
Expect an interpreter who is not a relative to seek compensation for
services rendered.
, Recommendations for Institutions
Keep pace with assistive equipment and technology for people who
are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, and/or disabled.
Maintain a computerized list of interpreters, including those certified
in sign language, who may be contacted as needed.
Network with area hospitals, colleges, universities, and other
organizations that may serve as resources.
What to Do When There Is No Interpreter
Be polite and formal.
Greet the person using the last or complete name. Gesture to yourself
and say your name. Offer a handshake or nod. Smile.
Proceed in an unhurried manner. Pay attention to any effort by the
patient or family to communicate.
Speak in a low, moderate voice. Avoid talking loudly. There is often a
tendency to raise the volume and pitch of your voice when the listener
appears not to understand, but this may lead the listener to perceive
that the nurse is shouting and/or angry.
Use any words known in the patient’s language.
Use simple words, such as pain instead of discomfort. Avoid medical
jargon, idioms, and slang. Avoid using contractions. Use nouns
repeatedly instead of pronouns. For example, do not say, “He has been
taking his medicine, hasn’t he?” Do say, “Does Juan take medicine?”
Pantomime words and simple actions while verbalizing them.
Give instructions in the proper sequence. For example, do not say,
“Before you rinse the bottle, sterilize it.” Do say, “First, wash the
bottle. Second, rinse the bottle.”
Discuss one topic at a time. Avoid using conjunctions. For example, do
not say, “Are you cold and in pain?” Do say, “Are you cold [while
pantomiming]?” “Are you in pain?”
Validate whether the client understands by having him or her repeat
instructions, demonstrate the procedure, or act out the meaning.
Write out several short sentences in English, and determine the
person’s ability to read them.
