Language and Cultural Conceptualizations in Intercultural Healthcare Communication

Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, intercultural communication has emerged as a significant area of concern. A particular challenge arising from this situation has been the need to convey healthcare information that is compatible with individualsʼ linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This problem is particularly pronounced in diverse and marginalized communities such as Aboriginal people in multicultural societies like Australia. Therefore, it becomes important to ascertain that healthcare information disseminated to diverse communities is culturally adapted. Consequently, this research aims to investigate the cultural conceptualizations evident in healthcare information concerning the Covid-19 pandemic, with a specific focus on the Australian Aboriginal people. The findings of this study reveal that Aboriginal health, in the context of Covid-19 pandemic, is represented as holistic well-being encompassing several dimensions such as cultural, spiritual, and physical. This research has significant implications for intercultural mediators and healthcare stakeholders, highlighting the importance of enhancing intercultural healthcare communication with culturally and linguistically diverse communities in multicultural societies. By acknowledging and integrating the cultural conceptualizations into healthcare information, it becomes feasible to bridge the gap and deliver more effective and culturally appropriate healthcare services to culturally and linguistically communities across the globe.