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Thank you, Suzanne4, for taking time to explain to me how native to non-native interactions work. I understand better now. Each profession has its common practices. I am happy to hear that the patient's well-being and health come first. So, you are able to communicate with non-native speakers either in English or another language, but if they have difficulty expressing themselves in English, you do not force the language upon them. You contact a translator. Are there translators on call in the hospital? Do you hire a translating service (a third-party provider) or do you use a competent person who speaks the language in the hospital? You were correct, in my opinion, by saying, "But trying to get them to use English when they are not comfortable with it will only make things worse in my opinion and can lead to serious misinterpretations that could become quite dangerous for the patient." Your sentence touched me. If only the same attitude existed in the business world. I have seen English being forced upon non-native speakers in different companies and believe me, their well-being and productivity suffer a lot. There are serious misinterpretations and misunderstandings. But, it is too expensive to retain the services of a translator all the time, so non-native speakers struggle and often feel frustrated by the "English imposition". Now, I totally agree with Babs0512. If you live and work in a country, I think you must make an effort to learn the language and integrate. However, if you are in an environment in which English is used recklessly, inappropriately, and in an insensitive manner, than people's well-being are at stake.

I was not entirely clear in that I would like to know if you, as nurses, as experts in your own field, experience problems due to: - Language Barriers Could your work be enhanced if you, as native English speakers, had specific skills and techniques to facilitate communication in English in order to decrease the language barrier? Sustainable English is effective English when a native English speaker must communicate in English with a non-native speaker. It is a consistent, creative, and applied approach. I agree with your point-of-view in terms of integrating into society. I struggled with French for 6 years before I was fluent enough to "integrate" into French society and be accepted. My point is, native English speakers can be compassionate and have effective communication skills when they communicate with non-native speakers. I am sure the majority of non-native speakers have English classes and believe me, they struggle like hell. Why not help them with clear English...especially in a situation when you must take care of them in a hospital?

Thanks for the feedback, MNC RN. To reply to your response, I would just like to add that my original degree lies in Human Development with a focus on gerontology. On my advisory board, I have linguistic researchers and a professor of gerontology in the department of health and community services at Cal State University, Chico. I am not "...another entrepreneur who thinks that patient care is just business with living product." My main drive is not money...it is to help native English speakers communicate effectively and strive for empathy, self-awareness, and sensitivity when they communicate with non-native speakers. What you are implying is surly stereotypical.

I apologize because I have clearly offended some people and broke the forum rules by adding my website under my name. It was a careless mistake on my part and I realized it only after I finished making lunch for my daughters. I had copied and pasted my original post from a communications forum for professionals, which allows contact information in posts. I was in a hurry and it did not occur to me that I had made a mistake. Please accept my sincere apologies.

Hello! I would just like to know what the nursing community thinks about Sustainable English. I am an English communications consultant and currently work with international corporations in IT, outsourcing, and finance. My work involves training and coaching native English speakers to the difficulties non-native speakers have when they communicate. I provide effective English communication skills and train native English speakers to create a communication-friendly environment. At the core of my work lies Sustainable English - the productive use of English to cultivate relationships. My questions are: As nurses, do you think there would be any interest in this type of training for you? Do you have any difficulties or feel frustrated when you communicate with non-native English speakers? I thank you for your time and any insight you could offer.