Elderspeak revisited: Cross-cultural insights from French and Chinese nursing homes^☆

Abstract

This study aims to offer a more nuanced examination of elderspeak, which most research on elderly care communication considers to have a negative effect on the dignity of older adults. To do this, we drew on data collected in two very different countries/cultures, France and China, in order to fill the gap in cultural diversity in elderspeak studies (existing work mainly concerns English) and to broaden the focus to include cultural and institutional contexts. Multimodal data analyzed in the current study include meal assistance, sensory workshops, and memory games. The diversity of communicative situations (daily care vs. social activities, informal vs. structured) makes it possible to identify the contextual elements that favor the use of elderspeak and the varied effects of the same communication strategy depending on the individuality of the residents. Preliminary findings suggest that certain elements of elderspeak, such as repetition and simplified phrasing, when adapted to residents’ cognitive capacity, can enhance comprehension and participation. Similarly, compliments, when sincere and proportionate, contribute positively to the construction of older people's social identity. Finally, the design of activities plays a decisive role in the use of elderspeak: in a task-oriented activity where the professional-resident power relationship is asymmetrical to the detriment of residents, communication is likely to be condescending, whereas an exchange on equal terms allows for better participation and self-expression on the part of residents. All these elements lead us to propose a new definition of elderspeak: rather than focusing on linguistic appearances which vary according to cultural contexts, we should focus on effects. This opens up new avenues for reflection in caregiver training. Proposing a guide to good practices is not a satisfactory solution; instead, professionals need interactional skills to adjust their communication style to the specific needs and abilities of residents.

Keywords

Elderspeak / Institutional caregiving settings / China / France / Autonomy / Aging / Cultural norms

CRediT authorship contribution statement

Weiwei Guo: Writing - review & editing, Writing - original draft, Methodology, Formal analysis. Marie Lefelle: Writing - original draft.

Declaration of Competing Interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Data Availability

The data that has been used is confidential.

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