Practice of Pharmacy and Language Competency: Delivery of Integrated Cross-cultural Care

Student pharmacists in countries where English is used for on-campus instruction but is not the national language may face difficulties when it comes to effectual communication with patients during experiential learning in clinical settings. Having effective communication skills is one of the traits of professionalism,1 and is not only one of the core competencies in becoming a better practicing pharmacist, but also an integral part of effective pharmaceutical care planning.2\ud\udSeemingly, on the view on cultural competency as one of the traits of professionalism in pharmacy education;3 most of the articles have mentioned the predestined importance of language and the knowledge of language as integral components to cultural competency.4-6 Some even have looked at cultural competency as a defense against healthcare disparities,4 as speaking the same language minimizes the possibilities of “otherizing” and stigmatization in the delivery of cross-cultural care