Linguistic sensitivity, indigenous peoples and the mental health system in Wales.
This paper presents findings from a pilot research project to explore the significance and availability of mental health services in the medium of Welsh in Wales, UK. Based on small-scale research with Welsh-speaking mental health service users this article argues that being bilingual can be a significant factor in the complex biopsychosocial matrix that underpins mental health problems amongst Welsh speakers. It also argues that the destructive effects of linguistic oppression, and the difficulties of second language communication for mental health service users, are such that an appropriate health and social care response in Wales involves providing services in a user's preferred language. Service users' views about the current state of bilingual service provision in Wales are presented, which suggests that insufficient attention is being paid to the linguistic needs of Welsh speakers. Eight principles are proposed for mental health service policy and practice in Wales.
Madoc-Jones
Iolo
I
North East Wales Institute of Higher Education, Wrexham, Wales LL11 2AW, UK. jonesim@newi.ac.uk
D003144:Communication Barriers; D006291:Health Policy; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006303:Health Services, Indigenous; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008605:Mental Health Services; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012933:Social Identification; D014852:Wales; D044465:White People / Q000208:ethnology*