Language plays a foundational role in shaping social interactions and enabling access to economic opportunities through education, employment, and access to public services. However, languages differ widely in terms of structure and composition, even within the same geographic areas, and these differences can create barriers to communication and integration. These barriers are significant for migrants, in particular, as their native language often varies from the dominant language of the place in which they reside.
https://thewire.in/health/language-impacts-the-health-of-women-and-children-barrier
For migrants, the more distinct their native tongue is from the dominant language of the region in which they reside, the greater the costs they face in achieving socioeconomic integration.
In our study (Jayakumar and Sharma 2025), we examine the consequences of linguistic barriers on access to healthcare and, consequently, on health outcomes.
by Advaith Jayakumar and Anisha Sharma
12/11/2025