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Question

One thing to consider when working with others of different backgrounds is to avoid use of sayings familiar to you culturally. Semantics is the use of words following only the rules of grammar and language; meaning is taken only from the words in the sentence without any other context. Pragmatics is looking at the same words in the context of how they are used. It is important to take into consideration the words you use, especially when applying these words to healthcare communication. Messages can be easily misconstrued when cultural idioms are involved. Asking someone to “crack a window” may not get the desired results if they are not familiar with the saying. Pragmatics allows us to put the meaning into the context that you probably want some airflow and most likely do not mean to break the window. Telling a patient they are “healthy as a horse” or “fit as a fiddle” may be confusing to them. This webpage may help to clarify the concept. Pragmatics vs. Semantics. Does anyone have examples to share or thoughts on this?

Answer 1

You’ve made an excellent point about the importance of understanding both semantics and pragmatics, especially in diverse settings like healthcare. It’s so true that idioms and cultural references can create barriers in communication. One example I’ve encountered is the saying “bite the bullet.” For someone unfamiliar with that idiom, they might take it literally and become confused about what you're asking them to do.

In healthcare, clarity is crucial, as misunderstandings can impact patient care. Using straightforward language and being mindful of cultural differences can help ensure that everyone is on the same page. Additionally, it might be beneficial to invite patients to share how they prefer to communicate or if there are specific cultural phrases that resonate better with them. This way, we can not only provide better care but also foster a more inclusive environment. Do you have any strategies that have worked for you when communicating across cultures?