Ex.1, p.

55
1. I have never had the experience of using the services of an interpreter
during a consultation. but, in my opinion, for medical communication, the
translator must not only be a professional, but also have a good understanding of
specific medical terms.
2. Advantages of Using Interpreters:
 Effective Communication: Interpreters facilitate effective
communication between parties who do not share a common language, ensuring
that information is accurately conveyed.
 Cultural Sensitivity: Interpreters can help bridge cultural gaps,
promoting understanding and respect among individuals from different cultural
backgrounds.
 Access to Services: Interpreters enable individuals who do not speak
the local language to access important services, such as healthcare, legal support,
and education.
 Disadvantages of Using Interpreters:
 Cost: Hiring professional interpreters can be expensive, especially for
long or complex interactions. This cost factor may limit access to interpretation
services for some individuals or organizations.
 Time-Consuming: Using interpreters may require additional time for
communication due to the need for interpretation, which can slow down processes
or appointments.
 Privacy Concerns: In some situations, individuals may feel
uncomfortable discussing sensitive or personal matters in the presence of an
interpreter, which can compromise privacy.
 Potential for Misinterpretation: While professional interpreters aim for
accuracy, misinterpretations can still occur, leading to misunderstandings,
particularly in complex or technical discussions.
Ex.2, p.55
1. The charity Help is helping to provide the following for British
patients:
 Interpreting services to bridge the language barrier.
 Sometimes nursing care.
 Aftercare for British patients.
2. Spanish doctors, even those who speak English, are now refusing to
treat anyone who cannot speak Spanish without an interpreter present.
3. The language barrier affects the time of consultation with expats by
doubling the consultation time and making diagnosis difficult.
4. Research by the Spanish Society of General Medicine shows that
fewer than 10 percent of expats can communicate with medical staff, and almost a
third rely on hand gestures and phrase books.
5. Expats are accused of abusing the Spanish healthcare system by using
health facilities without registering as residents, receiving medical treatment for
serious conditions more quickly and of a high standard than what's available on the
NHS, and causing Spain to incur significant costs in providing care for these
"invisible" residents. The Spanish Health Minister, Elena Salgado, is demanding an
annual £40 million from the UK government to address this issue.
Ex.3, p.55
1. The large numbers of British people settling on the Costa Blanca are
increasing the strain on the Spanish health service.
2. Research by the Spanish Society of General Medicine indicates that a
minority of expats can communicate with staff.
3. The Spanish Society of General Medicine is now asking for extra
resources to help with the rise in expenditure.
4. The charity Help, which is run by expats, is indispensable to the
expat community.
5. Dr Diego Vargas says that the lack of clear communication is a
medical risk.
6. Many expats, according to the Spanish Health Minister, don't have
suitable medical cover.