What are effective strategies for overcoming language barriers with physicians from different cultures?

It is important to work in an ethnically diverse environment and to listen and learn how others communicate and interact. Even those people with a good level of your language (let's say English in this instance) may be using this as a second or even third language. They may appear fluent but their cultural tendencies may not match those of a native English speaker. And lets not forget the differences between UK, US, Canadian, OZ and NZ English norms.

One great way to acquire awareness of different perspectives and values is to participate in any opportunity for study abroad, international internships, working abroad or hosting exchange students or international families in your own culture. It’s also valuable to develop opportunities to work with diverse viewpoints—anyone who does not resemble you or your personal background within your own culture.

When using a linguist (translator = written language, interpreter = spoken language) to assist in communication it is imperative that you brief them in advance. Don't assume that an interpreter will understand all of the terms that you use in speech as even a highly-experienced interpreter may not know all of the medical jargon you are familiar with. Brief interpreters at least one week before an assignment if you can. Give them access to documents, online links and a knowledgable contact that they can ask questions to. Don't be surprised to receive a list of questions. They are doing their groundwork so that they can better assist your medical communication. The more a linguist is informed the better the quality of their output will be.

As an experienced linguist and an interpreter trainer, my gold standard approach to communication is to use an internationally understood style of English. The English I use with non-native speakers follows some of these rules: Spoken clearly and grammatically. Leave timely gaps between concepts No idioms (e.g. fresh pair of eyes) No metaphors (His heart was broken) No slang or abbreviations not in global usage (eg. AKA) Also watch the listeners. Allow time for them to digest what you say. Many Asian cultures are reluctant to ask questions and may nod as you speak. This nodding is NOT an indication that they have understood. Do not be fooled by a quiet and seemingly attentive audience. They could be completely lost.

My most challenging interpreting assignment involved a couple of middle managers delivering a standard presentation about their latest tech innovation to my clients- a group of Asian overseas investors. The managers were clearly not interested in the presentation or the client. They rushed the presentation, became annoyed when I asked them to slow down and refused to explain certain acronyms. Shame, as the audience of investors told me afterwards that however good the tech was, they could not work with such arrogant people. The company missed out on a £M investment as they had not done their homework on the needs of the potential investor, had not tailored the presentation to the investor culture & sent a couple of clowns to pitch.