Cultural Competency: Why It’s Just as Important as Language Access

In today’s increasingly diverse world, where interactions transcend borders and cultures, language access alone is not enough. To truly bridge the communication gap and provide equitable services, organizations must embrace cultural competency. Cultural competency goes beyond simply speaking the same language; it’s about understanding and respecting the values, beliefs, and behaviors of individuals from different cultural backgrounds.

The Interplay of Language and Culture

Language and culture are inextricably linked. Language is not just a tool for communication; it’s a reflection of a culture’s worldview, traditions, and social norms. Words and phrases can have different meanings and connotations in different cultures, and non-verbal cues, such as gestures and eye contact, can also vary significantly.

Enhancing Language Services through Cultural Awareness

Cultural competency enhances language services in several ways:

Accurate Interpretation and Translation: Culturally competent interpreters and translators are not just bilingual; they are bicultural. They understand the cultural nuances embedded in language, ensuring that the intended meaning is accurately conveyed and avoiding potential misunderstandings.
Sensitivity and Respect: Cultural awareness fosters sensitivity and respect for individuals from different backgrounds. This helps build trust and rapport, creating a more positive and productive communication experience.
Avoiding Cultural Mishaps: Cultural misunderstandings can lead to awkward or even offensive situations. Culturally competent language professionals can help navigate these potential pitfalls, ensuring smooth and respectful interactions.

Improving Customer Experiences

Cultural competency is not just important for language services; it’s crucial for creating positive customer experiences for everyone, regardless of their language background.

Building Trust and Rapport: When customers feel understood and respected, it builds trust and loyalty. Culturally competent interactions demonstrate that an organization values diversity and is committed to serving all its customers.
Meeting Diverse Needs: Cultural awareness helps organizations understand and respond to the unique needs and preferences of diverse customer groups, leading to greater satisfaction and positive outcomes.
Creating an Inclusive Environment: Cultural competency fosters an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued, contributing to a positive brand image and reputation.

My Personal Experiences

In my 22 years as a Spanish Interpreter at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, I witnessed firsthand the impact of cultural competency on language access. I recall one instance where a Spanish-speaking defendant was hesitant to speak openly with his attorney, fearing that his cultural background would not be understood. By taking the time to build rapport and explain the legal process in a culturally sensitive manner, I was able to facilitate communication and ensure that the defendant felt heard and respected.

In another case, a misunderstanding due to cultural and linguistic differences almost led to a mistrial. The court had provided me as the Spanish interpreter, yet the litigant had very limited Spanish comprehension because he actually spoke Mixteco, an indigenous language from Mexico. I noticed a gap in communication and, understanding the cultural nuance of litigants not always speaking up for themselves, I asked the court if I could inquire more into his language needs. It turned out he needed a Mixteco interpreter to fully understand the proceedings. This experience highlighted the importance of going beyond assumptions and actively seeking to understand an individual’s language and cultural background.

These experiences taught me the importance of not just language proficiency, but also cultural understanding in providing effective language services.

Need Help?

Cultural competency is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Whether you need an interpreter for a meeting, a translator for a document, or guidance on developing a culturally competent language access plan, I can help. I bring not only my language expertise but also my deep understanding of cultural nuances and sensitivity to every interaction. Contact me today to discuss your specific needs and ensure that your organization is not just linguistically accessible, but also culturally competent.