Overview
A male Turkish honours student usually always sits are the front of the lecture. He has been missing classes. It becomes known he is supporting his mother who has been hospitalised and cannot speak or read Dutch. He is interpreting for her. The medical picture is ambiguous and a diagnosis is not established in the first instance. The university lecturer has a good relationship with the student and approached him to try and better understand the circumstances. Upon review, the situation becomes clear and a second approach is made in conjunction with the hospital to help the student and his mother.
https://tcps.institute/cultural_bridges_tool.html
Outcome
The student is interpreting for his mother and been asked to relay culturally sensitive, inhibitive as well as prohibitive medical information that the mother would normally never share with her son. The mother omits such information when asked by the doctor what her symptoms are, in particular, any information related to her reproductive anatomy. She is sent home as a diagnosis was not established. The cultural barrier between her and her son was thankfully recognised and acted on. A translator was requested to write out, in the mother’s native language, questions that specifically investigated her symptoms while allowing her complete autonomy. This letter was personally mailed to the mother at her home to fill out. She then sent it back to the doctor. The translator then shared the answers with the doctor, who could then better understand the nature of her complaints and establish a successful diagnosis and treatment plan.
Key language
Turkish, Student, Neurology, University, Hospital, Interpretation, Translation