As aging Hmong immigrants in North Carolina seek healthcare, their adult children often find themselves in the position of interpreting for their parents, especially in healthcare settings. This task can become even more complex for members of North Carolina’s Hmong community. According to a recent report by WUNC’s Eli Chen and WFAE’s Layna Hong, there are English terms that do not have direct translations in Hmong, such as diabetes and cancer.
In their co-reported story titled “As Hmong immigrants in NC get older, their adult children shoulder the labor of interpretation,” Eli and Layna shed light on the challenges faced by aging Hmong immigrants seeking healthcare in North Carolina. They discuss the difficulties that arise when trying to bridge the language and cultural barriers in medical settings.
Joining the conversation is Sendra Yang, who has firsthand experience interpreting for her father during his doctor’s appointments. Sendra also played a key role in establishing the North Carolina Hmong Women Association, Inc. Together, the guests provide valuable insights into the experiences of Hmong immigrants in North Carolina and the important role that interpretation plays in ensuring their access to healthcare services.