First-generation immigrants with limited English fluency

[Zanick]

I see a lot of ESL patients in my work, and it makes treatment an ordeal. I seldom encounter fussy hispanics, as compared to either caucasian or African-American patients. They aren't fluent, thus they often aren't able to assert themselves. The language barrier is insurmountable, and I have observed an unwillingness among our staff to work with them as well as an overall lower standard of care and service.

Partly I wonder if this could be remedied if they would simply learn the dominant language in a country when they choose to live in it. Neglecting to learn English not only mitigates whatever goals one seeks to accomplish in moving to America, it's actually a hazard to health and finances.

Should first-generation immigrants have to learn English?

[BallsDeep69]

Yes.

[starvingniglet]

I have observed an unwillingness among our staff to work with them as well as an overall lower standard of care and service.

Should first-generation immigrants have to learn English?

Sounds like you already expect 'your staff' to 'work with them' rather than they have to learn our language before they leave their home country and come live in ours.

[Zanick]

I have observed an unwillingness among our staff to work with them as well as an overall lower standard of care and service.

Should first-generation immigrants have to learn English?

Sounds like you already expect 'your staff' to 'work with them' rather than they have to learn our language before they leave their home country and come live in ours.

I expect the staff to do their jobs.

Still, not every immigrant has the time, finances and remaining cognitive ability to learn a new language. Many of them struggle, working long hours to secure a future here for their children, who I often communicate through as translators. I commonly work with hispanic teens who manage their parents' doctor appointments, health insurance and medication. When I was their age I was puzzled by the concept of a health savings account. I always get the impression that they've had to grow up too fast.