Authors: I. Wangechi Kariuki, Allison Squires

Published in: The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, Volume 22, Issue 9, 105988, October 2026 (Clinical Practice)

Cite (AMA): Kariuki I, Squires A. Recommendations for working with interpreters of languages of limited diffusion. J Nurse Pract. 2026;22(9):105988. doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2026.105988

DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2026.105988

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Abstract

Health care in the United States is delivered to people who speak many languages. Some countries offer health care only in the majority language, while languages spoken by relatively small populations in a specific area are often neglected. Within linguistics, these minority languages are described as languages of limited diffusion. Speakers of these languages require professional credentialed interpreters to access health care services. This paper examines practical recommendations for health care providers to engage with interpreters of languages of limited diffusion. By adopting these culturally responsive practices, professionals and institutions can move toward more equitable and effective multilingual health care communication.

Highlights

• Speakers of languages of limited diffusion need professional interpreters no less than do speakers of widely spoken languages.
• Presession briefing and cultural humility are essential for effective care.
• Trauma-informed approaches improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.
• Technical terms may not exist, requiring longer interpretive explanations.
• Institutional investment in language access plans reduces health care disparities.

Keywords: communication barriers · health equity · interpreter · language access · languages of limited diffusion · limited English proficiency

Recommended citation: Kariuki I, Squires A. Recommendations for working with interpreters of languages of limited diffusion. J Nurse Pract. 2026;22(9):105988. doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2026.105988