Communication in Healthcare Discourse: A Cultural and Linguistic Exploration of Exchanges between Healthcare Practitioners and Patients among Jukuns of Nigeria

Abstract

This paper explored the cultural and linguistic aspects of health exchanges between healthcare practitioners and patients among the Jukuns of Wukari in Nigeria, within the health centres in the town. It focused on patient-healthcare-provider dynamics and found out how language and culture influenced healthcare communication within formal settings. Integrating ethnographic, sociolinguistic, and anthropological approaches, the study unveiled how language and culture impacted interactions and health-seeking behaviours in these centres. It revealed the roles of language and culture in understanding health information, healthcare provider-patient exchanges, and treatment adherence within the distinct sociolinguistic context of the Jukun. Using such qualitative techniques as interviews and observations in the health centres, the study captured the intricate verbal and nonverbal communication, specific cultural discourse patterns, and communication strategies used by patients and healthcare practitioners. Findings highlighted diverse cultural and linguistic methods employed by Jukuns, such as using proverbs, ironies, metaphors, and nonverbal cues, to express themselves in healthcare settings. The research showed that these methods could facilitate communication with familiar practitioners but might complicate interactions with those from different ethnic backgrounds. Ultimately, it offered crucial perspectives for refining healthcare provision, aligning with the precise linguistic and cultural contexts of the Jukun community within formal healthcare settings in Wukari and other parts of Jukunland. Based on the foregoing, the researchers recommended that health practitioners should make use of interpreters and familiarise themselves with the cultural and linguistic norms of their immediate communities for effective health discourse that would enhance quality healthcare delivery.