Language ideologies in eldercare - conceptions of effective communication and language use by the residents, nurses and managers of retirement homes

Authors

• Anne Mäntynen Department of Finnish, Finno-Ugrian and Scandinavian Studies, University of Helsinki
• Sanna Tapionkaski Department of Language and Communication Studies, University of Jyväskylä
• Sari Pietikäinen Department of Language and Communication Studies, University of Jyväskylä

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23997/pk.77383

Keywords:

discourse analysis, eldercare, elderly-centric language, ethnography, inclusive interaction, language ideologies

Abstract

In this article, we apply critical discourse analysis and ethnography to examine conceptions
and experiences of inclusive interaction and language use in the context of eldercare in a
retirement home. Our data consist of interviews with residents, nurses and managers in
two bilingual eldercare units, as well as ethnographic observations of communication and
language use in these units. Our analysis focuses especially on language ideologies and
metalinguistic aspects of inclusive language in the context of eldercare. On the basis of our
analysis, we suggest that four elements are particularly central to elderly-centric language: 1)
the quality, quantity and tone of interaction; 2) the practices of addressing people and using
names; 3) the use of mother tongue and multilingualism; and 4) the significance of touch and
other multimodal interaction. The results indicate that the care units are both a home for the
residents and a working place for the nurses and managers. These diverging positions generate
different needs and expectations for interaction and language use: while the nurses aim to
function well in their work in order to make everyday care sensible and efficient, the residents
desire conversation, chatting and shared activities. Nurses emphasize understandability and
clarity of speech, whereas residents focus on social bonding and interaction. The results also
indicate that methods such as supported mutual interaction between the elderly residents, as
well as the activating use of music, could increase inclusive interaction in the retirement home.