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Intercultural (Mis-) Communication in Medical Settings: Cultural Difference or Cultural Incompetence?

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Intercultural Communication with Arabs

Abstract

This chapter reviews the linguistic and cultural challenges, which arise between non-Arabic speaking healthcare providers and Arabic-speaking patients in two different multicultural settings. The United Arab Emirates and the United States are used as examples. A mixed method approach was followed in the data collection phase of the research. Secondary sources, observations in different healthcare units, and semistructured interviews with patients and healthcare providers from two hospitals in both countries were the main methods of data collection. Communication barriers between stakeholders stem from the lack of cultural and linguistic competencies of both healthcare givers and patients. Some solutions to these problems are provided with a focus on the importance of cultural competency in medical settings and its impact on patient satisfaction, cost efficiency, and improved healthcare and research outcomes.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    Rana Raddawi

Authors
  1. Rana Raddawi
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Correspondence to Rana Raddawi .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, Utd.Arab.Emir.

    Rana Raddawi

Conclusion

Conclusion

Linguistic and cultural diversity are a salient feature of today’s globalized world and therefore, effective communication between stakeholders is indispensable. The medical setting is no exception. Medical caregivers and patients should engage in a cultural competency campaign for a successful healing process, better patient satisfaction, cost efficiency , and improved healthcare and research outcomes. This entails understanding and tolerance of the culture and language skills of each party.

Cultural differences are not always the reason for misunderstanding or miscommunication in intercultural interaction. Participants can create a common ground by seeking to know the other. In healthcare like in any other professional setting where humans are in constant interaction, the communication process should be based on the principle of altercentrism rather than egocentrism.

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Raddawi, R. (2015). Intercultural (Mis-) Communication in Medical Settings: Cultural Difference or Cultural Incompetence?. In: Raddawi, R. (eds) Intercultural Communication with Arabs. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-254-8_11

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