Many patients appreciate an effort to speak with them in their native tongue—even if it is not done fluently. Providers might consider learning a few words in the native languages of their patients.
Art Chen, MD
Even with that as background, I've had to learn medical Cantonese for many of the patients from that part of China. And I can recall one experience where I was trying to explain something to a patient—I lost track of exactly what it was. And the patient looked at me and just broke out laughing. The nurse who was with me, who helped me with my Chinese, said, "She is just laughing at how bad your Chinese is." And from that point on, with that patient, it was a wonderful experience. |
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