Examining Conversational Constraints in Vietnamese Patient-Doctor Communication: A Case Study

Authors

• Kimberly Tran

Publication Date

1-1-2009

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the use of conversational constraints among older members of the New Orleans Vietnamese community within the primary healthcare context. A purposive sample of seven Vietnamese male and five Vietnamese female immigrants between the ages of 47 and 80 was interviewed. Conversational constraints were evident in the responses relating to communication with physicians. The respondents emphasized relational conversational constraints such as minimal imposition on the physician’s autonomy, prevention of hurting the physician’s feelings, and prevention of negative evaluation by the physician. Conversely, task-oriented conversational constraints such as concern for clarity and effectiveness were exhibited indirectly. A secondary finding of this study revealed that constraints were minimal in relation to the manner in which the responses were given to the researcher. This difference can be explained through dimensions of cultural variability such as power distance and self construal.

Recommended Citation

Tran, Kimberly (2009) "Examining Conversational Constraints in Vietnamese Patient-Doctor Communication: A Case Study," XULAneXUS: Vol. 6: Iss. 1, Article 10.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.xula.edu/xulanexus/vol6/iss1/10