Language diversity in the public health sector in the Cape Unicity : policy and practice

Date
2006-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study is to study language diversity in the public health sector in the Cape Unicity area. The recent introduction of a multilingual policy is compared to practice in the health sector. This is done in order to draw similarities and differences regarding a gap between policy and practice. Five health facilities in the Cape Unicity were approached. Twenty-five respondents were sampled: doctors, nurses, administration or management officials, patients, and official interpreters where possible. To conclude, the findings suggest a significant gap is evident between policy and practice in each of the five health facilities. However, the gap appears to differ in scope for some health facilities due to certain factors. Subsequently, a number of recommendations are proposed.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie is om taaldiversiteit in die publieke gesondheidsektor in die Kaapse Unistad-gebied te bestudeer. Die onlangse instelling van 'n veeltalige beleid word met die praktyk in die gesondheidsektor vergelyk. Dit word gedoen om ooreenkomste en verskille met betrekking tot 'n gaping tussen beleid en praktyk te identifiseer. Vyf gesondheidsfasiliteite in die Kaapse Unistad is genader. Vyf-en-twintig respondente het deelgeneem: dokters, verpleegkundiges, administratiewe of bestuursamptenare, pasiente en amptelike tolke waar moontlik. Ten slotte dui die bevindinge op 'n beduidende gaping tussen beleid en praktyk in elkeen van die vyf gesondheidsfasiliteite. Dit kom egter voor asof die gaping in sommige gesondheidsfasiliteite as gevolg van sekere faktore in omvang verskil. Gevolglik word 'n aantal aanbevelings gemaak.
Description
Thesis (MA) -- University of Stellenbosch, 2006.
Keywords
Cape Unicity, Multilingualism -- South Africa -- Western Cape, Public health personnel -- Language -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Western Cape, Sociolinguistics -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Western Cape, Public health, South Africa -- Western Cape -- Language policy, Dissertations -- Sociology
Citation