Miscommunication in the medical encounter

Author: Worley Leticia   Elder Catherine  

Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing Company

E-ISSN: 1833-7139|14|1|17-34

ISSN: 0155-0640

Source: Australian Review of Applied Linguistics, Vol.14, Iss.1, 1991-01, pp. : 17-34

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Abstract

The paper draws upon a study of interaction between staff and non-native speakers of English in the Outpatients Department carried out at the request of a large public hospital. It discusses the nature of communication in the medical setting and the effects of institutionalized models of interaction on patients of both non-English speaking and English-speaking background. An attempt is made to characterize typical language exchanges at various points in patients’ passage through the system and to offer explanations for communication problems arising from selected interactions between patients and hospital staff. Outcomes of these interactions as evidenced by patients’ ability to demonstrate understanding of their medication regimes are also considered.