Public health and medical service providers consistently grapple with poorly written posters, inserts, pamphlets, booklets, and other educational material for Spanish speakers. In many instances these materials have been literally translated from the English resulting not only in inappropriate cultural messages but at times linguistically incomprehensible health information. Considering that Latinos, the largest Spanish-speaking group in the United States, will soon be the largest ethnic/racial group in the US, it is imperative that government health organizations and public health service providers commit to developing linguistically and culturally appropriate health education materials. In this presentation we discuss and evaluate the translation from English to Spanish of two community health guides and resources: The California Children and Families Commission’s Parents Guide and The Center for Community Wellness Health Guide. Both guides are distributed to one million Californians statewide and contain over 180 pages of information in Spanish on various health topics, tips for healthier living, and community resources. This presentation will highlight the future role of “adapted” rather than “translated” health material in the provision of culturally appropriate services, contribute to a greater understanding of how to design and implement effective translation projects, and provide insights about common Spanish language mistakes and culturally inappropriate messages that result from literal translations
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participants will be able to: 1. Describe the difference between "adapted" versus "translated" health education material. 2. Identify four main components of an effective translation process. 3. List five common Spanish language mistakes and/or culturally inappropriate messages that result from literal translations.
Keywords: Cultural Competency, Latinos
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.