Language matters: advancing linguistic equity in health research in the Americas

The Lancet Regional Health - Americas 2026 Open access

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Authors: Kaela M Connors, Jonathan Lara-Árevalo
DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2026.101414
Cited by: 1
References: 5

Abstract

Embracing linguistic diversity in the Americas is core to advancing equity in health research. Yet English continues to dominate scientific research communication,1,2 even though it is the primary language for less than one-third of the region's population.3 By contrast, Spanish (∼400 million) and Portuguese (∼204 million) together represent a much larger share.3 Despite calls to decolonise language in global health research,1,2,4–7 persistent inequities overlook the Americas' unique diversity and shared social fabric.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Interpreting and Communication in Healthcare Categorization perception and language Cultural Competency in Health Care

Publication details

Journal / source
The Lancet Regional Health - Americas
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
57
Pages
101414–101414
Publication date
19 February 2026
Language
EN