Linguistic barriers encountered by deaf women in accessing antenatal and postnatal care in Zimbabwe’s public hospitals
Keywords:
Sign language, Deaf, Impairment, Linguistic rights, Marginalisation, Language policyAbstract
This article examines the marginalisation of Sign language in Zimbabwe's healthcare sector, particularly in the context of antenatal and postnatal care. It reveals the linguistic challenges faced by Deaf women, who often use spoken language for communication. The study also explores the attitudes of nurses and doctors towards Sign language in the health sector. Data were collected through questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interviews with members of the Deaf community. The research found that communication difficulties were significant barriers for Deaf women seeking care. The lack of sign language interpreters and negative attitudes towards the Deaf by some health professionals further exacerbated these barriers. The absence of a policy framework directing the use and awareness of Sign Language in hospitals further exacerbated these issues. The study recommends prioritising Sign Language in public institutions to ensure Health Rights and a health language policy that guarantees the use of local languages in all public life, including health.
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