6533b7d7fe1ef96bd1267bfa

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Kielikäsitykset vanhustyössä - asukkaiden, hoitajien ja esimiesten käsityksiä hyvästä vuorovaikutuksesta ja kielenkäytöstä

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description

In this article, we apply critical discourse analysis and ethnography to examine conceptionsand experiences of inclusive interaction and language use in the context of eldercare in aretirement home. Our data consist of interviews with residents, nurses and managers intwo bilingual eldercare units, as well as ethnographic observations of communication andlanguage use in these units. Our analysis focuses especially on language ideologies andmetalinguistic aspects of inclusive language in the context of eldercare. On the basis of ouranalysis, 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 usingnames; 3) the use of mother tongue and multilingualism; and 4) the significance of touch andother multimodal interaction. The results indicate that the care units are both a home for theresidents and a working place for the nurses and managers. These diverging positions generatedifferent needs and expectations for interaction and language use: while the nurses aim tofunction well in their work in order to make everyday care sensible and efficient, the residentsdesire conversation, chatting and shared activities. Nurses emphasize understandability andclarity of speech, whereas residents focus on social bonding and interaction. The results alsoindicate that methods such as supported mutual interaction between the elderly residents, aswell as the activating use of music, could increase inclusive interaction in the retirement home.