The Effect of Linguistic and Cultural Mismatch on Appropriate Healthcare Access in Zimbabwe

This study explores the impact of ethnolinguistic barriers on healthcare access and quality in Matabeleland South Province of Zimbabwe. It puts results into a call to action on a systemic basis, by legislating the health interpretation services to ensure that the constitutional right to health actually becomes a reality. The research examines how the dominant use of Shona, Ndebele, and English in healthcare settings marginalizes speakers of minority languages, affecting their ability to communicate effectively with healthcare providers. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants to explore their linguistic and cultural experiences in medical consultations. Findings reveal that language mismatches between patients and healthcare providers lead to miscommunication, mistreatment, and in some cases, fatal outcomes. Cultural misunderstandings also affect the delivery of healthcare when non-verbal cues are misinterpreted. The study calls for the inclusion of medical interpreters and translation services in healthcare settings, highlighting the dangers of relying on untrained interpreters. It recommends developing a clear language policy that guarantees linguistic rights in healthcare to ensure equal access to quality health services.