“That doctor done a’ did me in": A Linguistic Approach to Medicine in Appalachia

Presenter Information

Breanna BowlingFollow

Grade Level at Time of Presentation

Sophomore

Major

Public Health

Minor

Anthropology

Institution

Eastern Kentucky University

KY House District #

6

KY Senate District #

6

Department

Public Health Department

Abstract

Appalachia stretches across 13 states in America and is home to approximately 25 million people. Despite representing nearly 8% of the entire population of the United States, the natives of Appalachia continue to face a devastating socioeconomic and healthcare crisis that has persisted throughout several generations. Likewise, Appalachians face another threat: cultural stereotyping and assimilation which contributes to poor public health and the slow dismantling of a deep and rich culture that is Appalachia.

In order to understand the healthcare crisis in Appalachia, it is vital that the unique culture of this region is appreciated and preserved. To do so, the dialect of Appalachia must first be seen as a language in its own respect. Appalachian dialect follows its own direct rules, patterns, and grammar. Research also suggests that the language is composed of several different branches of dialect based on class, race, and gender, exemplifying complexity.

Much of the healthcare crisis is due to the complexity of the language and culture of Appalachia. The gap between language, culture, and healthcare is a massive hindrance for the natives of Appalachia who maintain distinct communication and cultural differences from non-local physicians who migrate into the area. Most physicians are not equipped with the cultural training needed to communicate effectively with their Appalachian patients. Due to this, a grassroots effort would be most effective at addressing the health disparities of Appalachia. Such an effort would include a better appreciation and respect for the Appalachian language and culture, and for its inhabitants.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 

“That doctor done a’ did me in": A Linguistic Approach to Medicine in Appalachia

Appalachia stretches across 13 states in America and is home to approximately 25 million people. Despite representing nearly 8% of the entire population of the United States, the natives of Appalachia continue to face a devastating socioeconomic and healthcare crisis that has persisted throughout several generations. Likewise, Appalachians face another threat: cultural stereotyping and assimilation which contributes to poor public health and the slow dismantling of a deep and rich culture that is Appalachia.

In order to understand the healthcare crisis in Appalachia, it is vital that the unique culture of this region is appreciated and preserved. To do so, the dialect of Appalachia must first be seen as a language in its own respect. Appalachian dialect follows its own direct rules, patterns, and grammar. Research also suggests that the language is composed of several different branches of dialect based on class, race, and gender, exemplifying complexity.

Much of the healthcare crisis is due to the complexity of the language and culture of Appalachia. The gap between language, culture, and healthcare is a massive hindrance for the natives of Appalachia who maintain distinct communication and cultural differences from non-local physicians who migrate into the area. Most physicians are not equipped with the cultural training needed to communicate effectively with their Appalachian patients. Due to this, a grassroots effort would be most effective at addressing the health disparities of Appalachia. Such an effort would include a better appreciation and respect for the Appalachian language and culture, and for its inhabitants.