Social work, healthcare and communication with migrants: Linguistic and cultural problems and perspectives of social workers
Abstract
This paper analyses the barriers faced by migrants in accessing social and healthcare services in Spain. Specifically, we will present the results of a survey conducted with social work professionals in healthcare settings. Our aim is to explore their perceptions regarding the actual access of migrant population to these services, as well as their direct experiences with migrant users. We will try to identify the main challenges they encounter, particularly linguistic and cultural barriers, and examine the strategies they normally employ to address them. Based on the data gathered, it is our goal to emphasise the importance of linguistic assistance and cultural mediation in social and healthcare services, highlighting the crucial role that professional translators and interpreters play in ensuring effective communication and equal access to public services, as well as the protection of essential health and social rights for migrants.
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In order to support the global exchange of knowledge, the journal Círculo de Lingüística Aplicada a la Comunicación is allowing unrestricted access to its content as from its publication in this electronic edition, and as such it is an open-access journal. The originals published in this journal are the property of the Complutense University of Madrid and any reproduction thereof in full or in part must cite the source. All content is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 use and distribution licence (CC BY 4.0). This circumstance must be expressly stated in these terms where necessary. You can view the summary and the complete legal text of the licence.






