If you are creating health resources in the UK it is important to consider if there could be any barriers to the information they provide and the people using the resources. One such barrier could be the language itself, which is why it is a good idea to offer foreign language versions of the information you release. Let’s take a look at why that is important and how to get it right:
Why Use Foreign Language Versions Of Health Advice Materials?
Studies have shown that language barriers are a huge issue when it comes to both patients and medical professionals achieving high-quality healthcare exchanges. Language barriers for information in the form of video resources, leaflets, and more can actively increase how long treatment time takes.
There are also implications for patient safety, as well as the ability for a person to actively support themselves with health issues, and access the health services they need.
How To Provide Foreign Language Versions Of Health Advice Resources
To provide a better quality of healthcare and patient ability to self-care and access healthcare, it is important to offer foreign language versions of health advice resources. This can come in various forms including:
- Video foreign language subtitling
- Video foreign language caption
- Video foreign language voiceovers
- Leaflets in different languages
- Website options for different languages
- Access to live translation where applicable
- Any released advertising to contain subtitles
Whichever resources you choose to use, it is imperative that you opt for a professional translation company to ensure that the foreign language options you use are accurate. For example, the Taurho Transcriber offers a variety of services, including Polish and Welsh translation, as well as numerous other foreign translation options to choose from. This may include localization in some cases if health resources are targeted to a very specific community or geographical location.
Related Resource: Feel Free To Learn Russian Language With NovaMova
Which Language Should Be Used For Health Resources In The UK?
It depends on your target location. As a general rule, the most common languages spoken in the UK should be your priority and they are currently (in no particular order);
- Polish
- Welsh/ Scottish/ Irish
- Punjabi
- Urdu
- Bengali
- Gujarati
- Arabic
- French
- Chinese (various versions)
- Portuguese
- Spanish
It is imperative that you look at the areas where your resources are going to be used so that you can choose the right languages in the voiceovers, subtitles, or translations you use.
For example, welcome leaflets about health care for Ukrainians finding refuge in the UK should be in English, Ukrainian, and also Russian, which is spoken by 30% of the Ukrainian population.
If you would like to ensure that your health information is accessible to anybody who needs it use professional translation services for foreign language voiceovers, subtitling, or more, you’ll get exceptional results that ensure your health resources are clear, concise, and informative whichever language they are in.
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