Communicating with Greek Elders
Language Use
Communicating with Greek elders can be complicated.
- Many older Greek Australians have low levels of formal education, as well as poor proficiency in English.
- Many speak dialects and have little formal education in standard Greek.
- Greek is not the first language of all Greek-born Australians; some speak Macedonian, Turkish or Albanian as their first language.
- Others may not have come from Greece, but rather from one of the diaspora Greek communities in the Middle East, or from Cyprus.
It is important to know these basic facts about language use as early as possible in your relationship with your client. For effective communication, service providers need to consider different strategies according to the particular contexts they are in.
Here are some useful questions to consider in getting to know your client.
What is your client’s first and preferred language? Asking your client directly is the best way to find out. Determining your client’s preferred language is important as it will also help in deciding whether to engage a professional interpreter for special situations, such as when you are outlining detailed or complex information. It is useful to use an interpreter in your first visit so as to establish your client’s proficiency in English. See Using Interpreters.
Does your client read Greek? This is important if you want to give your client any written materials. Most elderly Greek Australians are literate and can read Greek. There are a small number, however, who have had none or very little schooling. For the illiterate, it is often very distressing to have to explain that they cannot read. It is far preferable to have checked this with your client early on in your initial interviews.
What is your client’s spoken English proficiency? Asking your client directly is the best way to find out. As many elderly Greeks have been living in Australia for decades, they have acquired some English. However, they are unlikely to speak English fluently. Some elders, particularly those born in Egypt and Cyprus, have higher levels of English proficiency than other Greek elders.
It is also worth remembering that although many elderly Greek Australians have learnt some English, as they age, and especially if they have dementia, they are likely to revert to using their mother tongues.
Clients’ level of English language proficiency may be satisfactory on some occasions, and inadequate in others. If detailed information is being communicated it may be appropriate to use a professional interpreter or a competent bilingual worker.
Does your client read English? You need to know your client’s level of English literacy to determine the usefulness of any written information you need to give them. Written information can vary in complexity – from an appointment letter, to medication-list instructions, to consent to surgery, to admission to a residential facility. Accurate understanding is crucial in these cases. You may find the section on Greek Translations useful.
Body Language: The Greek Way of Communicating
As well as your client’s use of written and spoken language, it is important to recognise culturally specific ways of communicating: body language, gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice. Greeks communicate in expressive and demonstrative ways. Expressing one’s emotions and feelings in gestures and behaviours are acceptable amongst Greeks, as are obvious displays of affection.
The Greek Kiss People familiar with each other will greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks. Women greet each other like this, as do men and women in many situations, but males usually just shake hands. It is appropriate for service providers who are familiar with elderly clients to do this too. The traditional greeting between young and old was for the younger person to kiss the elder’s hand, but this is no longer common practice.
The Greek Touch Firm handshakes are common! So is patting the shoulder or back, even among people who are relatively unfamiliar with each other. Touching is acceptable in a conversation, especially when dealing with older people. Touching or holding the hand of an elderly person in a gentle and comforting way is acceptable and appropriate with Greeks.
The Greek Look Eye contact is important in Greek culture. Always make eye contact as it is a sign of seeking to communicate with the other person. With Greeks of all ages, if you don’t make eye contact you may be perceived as avoiding contact or as lacking real interest in the person.
The Greek Voice Elderly Greek Australians appreciate and will respond to anyone speaking in a friendly tone of voice. In general, Greeks will speak out if they have a concern or if they feel they are being mistreated. It is not uncommon for Greeks to raise their voice and become highly vocal as a way of showing their emotions. Don’t be overly concerned about raised voices: for Greeks this is culturally acceptable.
Greek Hands It is no secret that Greeks talk with their hands! Importantly, some hand gestures that have specific meanings. For example, when a Greek raises their hand and starts rotating it, it can signify affirmation, exaggeration, or even irony about the statement or subject in question. Sometimes Greeks may make the sign of the cross (cross themselves) in mid sentence. This indicates either gratitude to God – positively affirming the subject of the conversation – or looking to God for the best possible outcome.
The Greek ‘I’ In Greek culture the individual tends to be perceived as inseparable from their families. When it comes to decision making in the aged care context, be aware that the elderly Greek person may often want to consult with family members. He or she may not, therefore, be able to respond immediately to some of your questions, particularly if the response requires a decision.
