Interaction with a Client from a Different Language Background
Yusuf, 61, received a diagnosis of dementia through occupational health services. A memory care professional visited his home to assess his service needs. Yusuf’s Finnish language skills were not very strong, so the questions felt unclear to him. He responded briefly and nervously. His daughter was also present and tried to interpret as best she could. The right to a professional interpreter was not used, and information about the diagnosis was not available in Yusuf’s own language. The daughter was carrying her father’s everyday worries alone and was already clearly exhausted by the constant responsibility. After the meeting, Yusuf and his daughter were left with the feeling that important information might not have been fully understood.
What should the professional take into account in the interaction situation, and how could the well-being of the family member be supported?
Encountering a person with dementia always requires an individual and empathetic approach. You can read more about encountering a person with dementia here. A person’s different linguistic and cultural background may bring specific characteristics to interaction situations. As dementia progresses, later-acquired language skills may weaken.
It is important for professionals to find out their clients’ language skills and preferences for interaction. By paying attention to one’s own way of communicating, it is possible to find methods and practical tips for effective interaction that promote the client’s participation and feeling of being heard.
The Importance of Mother Tongue and Nonverbal Communication
As dementia progresses, a person’s native language may become more prominent while using a second language becomes more difficult. Learning a greeting or a few words in the person’s mother tongue can create a feeling that their language skills are respected and can help build a connection.
The importance of nonverbal communication increases in situations where no shared language is found or understanding speech becomes difficult. Eye contact, gestures, facial expressions, and body posture can facilitate understanding and interaction. As a professional, it is also useful to familiarize yourself with the client’s cultural ways of communicating—for example, eye contact and gestures may have very different meanings across cultures.
Tips When a Shared Language Exists
- Allow extra time and accept long pauses.
- Check that you have understood by rephrasing what was said.
- Use familiar words and short sentences.
- Break complex issues into smaller parts.
- Make use of technology and visual support tools.
- Pay attention to plain language.
Using Plain Language
Using clear, plain language helps both people with dementia and individuals from different language backgrounds understand better.
When using plain language, consider:
- Short sentences and simple vocabulary
- A clear and calm speaking pace
- Visual support tools such as pictures and gestures
You can read more about plain language here.
Tips When No Shared Language Exists
- Learn a few words in the person’s mother tongue.
- Ask family members or an interpreter for words.
- Use pictures, gestures, and technological applications.
- Be open and present.
- Remember that nonverbal communication is central.
Tools to Support Communication
Interaction is much more than just speech, so the lack of a shared language is not a barrier. There are various ways to support communication, such as communication folders, pictures, word lists, and touch. More information on supporting communication can be found here.
Technology can also help in culturally sensitive memory care. Here are a few examples:
- Multilingual content (information, music, reminiscence material in the person’s own language)
- Translation applications (conducting conversations via apps, using AI to translate text)
- Remote connections (video calls with loved ones, connections to the country of origin)
- Digital life story tools (photos, memories, and important aspects of the person’s life)
Using an Interpreter
Using an interpreter makes the situation easier for both the client and the professional. However, it should be noted that dementia may complicate interpretation, so it is beneficial for the interpreter to have knowledge of the possible symptoms. Remote interpreting also offers opportunities for effective interaction.
Tips for working with an interpreter:
- Address your speech to the client, not the interpreter.
- Speak clearly and avoid complex expressions.
- Ensure that the interpreter understands the specific features of dementia.
- Remember that family members are not always the best option as interpreters due to confidentiality obligations.
Individual Tasks
- Practice how you would explain your activities or the services you offer in clear, simple Finnish.
- Have you ever been in a situation where language challenges or cultural differences challenged your understanding? How did it feel, and what did you learn from the situation?
Group Tasks
- Nonverbal Communication Exercise
Show the following to each other without using words:- I like this
- I have a headache
- I can’t see
- Where is the toilet?
- I need a break
- Networking Exercise
Create a network map as a group, outlining key actors and resources within culturally diverse communities in your area.- Who can support your work? Who can you contact in client work? How can you improve cooperation with different cultural groups?
- Find out who, in your wellbeing services county, encounters people with dementia and their family members from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. How can cooperation be improved for clients from different cultural backgrounds? What kinds of support networks might need to be developed?
More information about the topic (in Finnish)
More information
Muistiopas-hanke; eri kieli- ja kulttuuritaustaisten muistisairaiden ja läheisten tukeminen, monikulttuurisen muistityön kehittäminen ja vahvistaminen (suomi, svenska, English)
Muistiopas-hanke; eri kieli- ja kulttuuritaustaisten muistisairaiden ja läheisten tukeminen, monikulttuurisen muistityön kehittäminen ja vahvistaminen (suomi, svenska, Deutsch, English)