The Emotional Impact of Words: Why Finding the Right Words Matters

The Struggle of Putting Emotions into Words

Although there is no better remedy than talking openly to others about how we feel in specific situations, putting emotions into words can be difficult. People in many cultures are so uncomfortable with mental health conditions that they can’t be discussed openly, and Haitians are no exception. While we don’t shy away from describing physical symptoms in great detail, a neighbor suffering from debilitating depression may be simply judged as “strange” or unsociable. The resulting stigma imposes a deep level of quiet suffering.

Mental Health Among Migrants and Refugees

According to the World Health Organization, common mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more prevalent among migrants and refugees than among their corresponding host populations. Girls and women on the move tend to struggle with depression and anxiety in large numbers.

Immigrants and refugees coming to the United States from Haiti may initially have the impression of a soft society that isn’t capable of handling tough challenges. At the same time, openness about mental health conditions and neurodiversity has allowed for new awareness that makes life more bearable for those who don’t fit into standard molds.

The increasing openness to addressing emotions in Haitian culture is reflected in growing awareness of trauma or the focus on personal energy and meditation.

For example, the singer Kenny Haiti recently came out with a video depicting a group in counseling that gives permission to express sadness with tears.

Linguistic Challenges in Mental Health Conversations

For us as linguists, the fact that mental health has long been thought to matter less than physical health has practical implications as well. The avoidance of factual conversations means that there is little to no constructive vocabulary about mental health conditions. What’s worse, the existing expressions can be harsh and judgmental (someone is referred to as “crazy” or “losing it” instead of “suffering from anxiety”).

For all of these reasons, it is challenging to translate texts discussing mental health conditions, which are typically created by well-intentioned entities to offer help.

Sensitive and Culturally Appropriate Translations Matter

A poorly prepared translation can use proper terminology and still miss its mark by a wide shot because an overly literal rendition may come across as uncaring and dismissive.

Our approach at Creole Solutions

Here are three different approaches we use at Creole Solutions to generate sensitive and culturally appropriate translations for texts that touch on difficult topics such as mental health:

• Listening for New Language Usage: We listen carefully for new language usage in our community to make sure our word choices don’t come across as stodgy and old-fashioned. We look for newly coined terminology in discussion forums and conversations. Initially, the dialog may use words derived from French, but Haitians are quick to create new Creole words that are descriptive and full of meaningful references.
  
  
• Reviewing the Purpose of Documents: We review the purpose of documents to be translated with our clients to ensure that the content clearly reflects the available options and attitudes. For example, an NGO that wants to raise public awareness about suicide may have mission statements, past reports, etc., that provide important clues about its activities and involvement.
  
  
• Establishing New Verbiage: We establish new verbiage, where appropriate, to replace judgmental word choices with more empathetic language. For example, most Haitians use "touye tèt li" (to kill oneself) to describe suicide, but there is a desperate need to explore less violent alternative phrases that convey compassion and understanding.
  
  

The Importance of Culturally Sensitive Translations

Even more than in the case of physical health, texts describing mental health conditions and the available treatment resources should never be translated “on autopilot” or through AI-based machines that lack the necessary sensitivity. Although the outcomes can read like proper Haitian Creole, insensitive word choices and insinuated judgments may have the opposite effect on the reader than intended and turn potentially interested clients away.

 

How can I get started with Creole Solutions?

Getting started is easy! Schedule a free consultation with Marleen to discuss your translation and interpretation needs. We’ll work with you to design a tailored solution that meets your specific requirements.