Overcoming Communication Barriers in Healthcare: a Case for Kiswahili Medical Interpreting in Kibra Informal Settlement, Nairobi

Abstract

This study presents the state of English-Kiswahili medical interpreting in Kenya’s largest informal settlement, Kibra and the need for training among its current practitioners. The study utilized the Communication Accommodation Theory guided by three objectives. These were to identify linguistic gaps in communication mediated by ad hoc interpreters. Investigating the process of ad hoc interpreting during patient-service provider interactions and lastly, to discuss the strategies applied by ad hoc interpreters to facilitate communication. Data for this case study was collected through observation and recording of clinic consultations and interviews of health facility administrators in Tabitha clinic and Ushirika Health Centre in Sarang’ombe ward, Kibra. The recorded data was transcribed, analyzed and presented thematically. The study determined that medical interpreting in Kibra was carried out by the clinicians in a dyadic manner. All cases did not benefit from standard Kiswahili interpreting due to code switching. Three recommendations were proposed in this study: First, the clinicians need basic interpreter training if they will continue in their dual role as clinician-interpreters. Secondly, a personal investment by the health care providers in improving their communicative capacity in Kiswahili is necessary. Lastly, an in-depth study on this phenomenon of the dyadic clinician-interpreter to provide insight into this practice.