Global health initiatives are most effective when they communicate in local languages. Using local languages respects the identities and cultures of communities and allows people to understand health messages, learn effectively, and make informed decisions. Mothers in particular benefit from materials in their home language to maintain health practices. SIL has experience developing appropriate health materials, like trauma healing and HIV/AIDS programs, in over 120 languages. They also help check that materials are comprehensible and develop key health terms. Initiatives should consider local language needs to most effectively serve vulnerable groups and create behavior changes that improve health.

1. Global health, local languages
and community change
Barbara Trudell, PhD
SIL Africa
CCIH 2016

2. The spiritual dimension of a local-
language focus in global health
The Biblical mandate to serve the most
vulnerable:
– Rural populations, women, children, the poor, the
aged
– Global focus on those without access to adequate
health care
– What languages do these people speak?
– Will we require them to learn a new language
before they can access health information and
services??

3. The human dimension of a local-language
focus in global health
• We are about human-centered development
(as opposed to an economic approach or a
deficit approach to development).
• God cares about individuals and peoples, and
so do we.
• Language has central place in people’s identity
and culture.

4. The learning dimension of a local-
language focus in global health
• Learning is not done
through rote
memorization.
• It requires an
understanding of the
message, which
requires using a well
understood language.

5. • Behavior change results from understanding,
reflecting and acting on the messaging.
• Effective communication, learning and
transformation cannot take place without
attention to the language used.

6. Especially for moms!
• Mothers are largely
responsible for
maintaining good
health practices in the
home
• Women are far less
likely than men to speak
international languages
• So using the home
language yields much
better results

7. SIL: Beyond Bible translation
SIL has 80+ years of experience working with the
most marginalized peoples on the planet.
Their spiritual and physical needs have a
language component:
–Does God speak my language?
(Bible translation, long-term incarnational service)
–How can I access health and development
assistance in a language I speak?
(language development, literacy, language-
appropriate services)

8. The role of language in health services
Medicines, procedures:
- Understanding use and dosages of medication
- Understanding diagnoses and options
- Participating in their own health care

9. Good health practices involve:
- Understanding the problem
- Understanding the solution
- Deciding to take action

10. This is not helpful!

11. Language-related assistance SIL offers to
Christian development partners
Comprehension checking
of written materials and
interventions: “Are people
understanding our health
messaging?”

12. Key terms development: “How do we talk
about sensitive health issues in the local
language? Using the international language
isn’t working.”
Examples:
– HIV/AIDS
– Sexual assault
– FGM

13. Local-language literacy
programs, tailored to
desired development
themes

14. • Easy-reading health materials available to be
translated (malaria, HIV/AIDS, hygiene, etc.)
• Easy publishing technology for local
development of health materials
• Language-sensitive health programs
– Trauma healing
– HIV/AIDS

15. Example 1
“Healing the Wounds of Trauma”
• A Biblically-based program
for dealing with trauma of
all kinds
• Available in 120 languages:
trauma and healing are
intensely personal!
• Adults’ and children’s
versions

16. • Opportunities for spiritual healing
• Practical measures for attaining and
maintaining mental and spiritual health

17. “Before this workshop of Trauma Healing I did
not know how to forgive someone who has
done something bad. I have learnt it well and it
has led my life to be changed.”

18. Example 2
Kande’s Story: HIV and AIDS care and
prevention program
A relevant and easily understood set of materials:
- the care of people with HIV and AIDS
- prevention of the spread of this disease

19. • Written in the language
that the people speak
• Communicate clearly and
effectively
• Result: behavior changes
that save lives, extend
compassion to the ill and
build the Christian
community

20. “We have already heard what the government
has to say about AIDS, but at last we will hear
what God has to say.” (Tanzanian Kande’s Story
participant]

21. Talk to us today about how using the right
language can help you make your global
health initiatives more effective!
Barbara Trudell, SIL Africa
Barbara_trudell@sil.org
Kathie Watters, SIL Africa
kathie_watters@sil.org