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Dedicated to Peace Corps/Guatemala's health workers, their communities and co-workers
For a nurse to mistakenly prescribe "doce" instead of "dos" pills per day is admittedly an extreme example, but one which perhaps serves to underscore the critically important role language plays in providing adequate and appropriate health care. Admittedly, too, having a good grasp of the vocabulary of a second language does not ensure the accomplishment of this goal either, but it is a start. This Glossary was developed with that thought in mind. And because Guatemala is renowned for its extensive vocabulary of "modismos", or slang, an additional column has been added to facilitate adaptation of the Glossary to regional variations, and potentially for use in other Spanish-speaking countries where local "modismos" will vary considerably.
It is my hope that this Glossary may serve to help ease the initial frustrations of having to work in a second language-complete with its false cognates, double meanings and new sounds - and to expand the vocabulary of those who have already gotten beyond that hurdle. If it should also serve to improve communication between volunteers and the people of their communities, and thus the quality of health care being provided, then it will have served a greater purpose still. In a country that suffers from one of the highest mortality rates in Latin America, and where 80% of its children under the age of five suffer from malnutrition, we cannot afford to let a language barrier further complicate or delay our best efforts.
Susan Hewes
Associate Peace Corps Director for Health Programs
Peace Corps/Guatemala
December 1984