Language as a Bridge: Analyzing Resettled Community Healthcare Communication
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Katherine Doyon, Boise State University
Presentation Date
7-16-2026
Abstract
Refugees often face communication challenges in healthcare due to language barriers, cultural differences, unfamiliar healthcare systems, and power imbalances. These barriers can reduce trust, limit patient engagement, and contribute to poorer health outcomes. This study examined how refugees communicate about healthcare through a secondary analysis of audio-recorded interviews. The research was conducted in partnership with a refugee community advisory council to ensure cultural relevance and ethical integrity. Interview transcripts between refugees and an interdisciplinary research team were analyzed using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software to identify patterns in emotional tone, authenticity, pronoun use, and authority-related language. Guided by Hall’s Cultural Dimensions Theory, the study explored how communication is shaped by cultural differences, language barriers, and perceived authority. Results showed clear differences between refugees and interviewers. Refugee participants used less authoritative and more passive language but demonstrated higher levels of authenticity, sharing experiences in a personal and emotionally grounded way. Interviewers maintained a highly positive tone and frequently used inclusive pronouns such as “we” and “you.” These findings suggest that refugees openly share their experiences despite navigating interactions with less perceived authority. Understanding these communication patterns can help healthcare professionals build trust, improve communication, and provide more patient-centered care.
Language as a Bridge: Analyzing Resettled Community Healthcare Communication
Refugees often face communication challenges in healthcare due to language barriers, cultural differences, unfamiliar healthcare systems, and power imbalances. These barriers can reduce trust, limit patient engagement, and contribute to poorer health outcomes. This study examined how refugees communicate about healthcare through a secondary analysis of audio-recorded interviews. The research was conducted in partnership with a refugee community advisory council to ensure cultural relevance and ethical integrity. Interview transcripts between refugees and an interdisciplinary research team were analyzed using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software to identify patterns in emotional tone, authenticity, pronoun use, and authority-related language. Guided by Hall’s Cultural Dimensions Theory, the study explored how communication is shaped by cultural differences, language barriers, and perceived authority. Results showed clear differences between refugees and interviewers. Refugee participants used less authoritative and more passive language but demonstrated higher levels of authenticity, sharing experiences in a personal and emotionally grounded way. Interviewers maintained a highly positive tone and frequently used inclusive pronouns such as “we” and “you.” These findings suggest that refugees openly share their experiences despite navigating interactions with less perceived authority. Understanding these communication patterns can help healthcare professionals build trust, improve communication, and provide more patient-centered care.