This page contains a list of language resources intended to assist staff members in communicating more effectively with patients for whom English is not a first language.
Perhaps the most important use of this will be to help with the correct pronounciation of names - incorrect pronounciation can be difficult.
Where staff are unsure of the correct pronounciation, it is polite to ask the patient if they were correct, and if not to consider whether an alert containing a phoenetic spelling of the patient's name might be appropriate.
A good example might be Tane.
Tane is a Maori name, usually spelled with a macron over the A and pronounced 'Tar-nay'. It is also used by non-Maori people, when it is more commonly pronounced 'Tayn' though may spoken in the Maori way. People will usually understand if the name is used incorrectly once, but repeated errors are unwelcome.
A better understanding of name pronounciation may also help with communication around making appointments as a facility with the language helps staff to pick up on key sounds in the names which reduces the need for patients to spell their names.
Chinese
Simple guide to pronouncing pinyin phoenetic words.
Video showing how to pronounce Chinese family names.
Maori
Maori Language.net A good place to start with Maori.
Correct pronounciation of some Maori sounds with mp3 sounds to listen to
Samoan
Samoan pronounciation with some audio links.
Tongan
Tongan Alphabet and beginner lessons in Tongan