Abstract
The current study aims at investigating health care practitioners and beneficiaries' views on language barriers and the use of Arabic in medical practice, as well as its importance and impact. The mixed-method study used a questionnaire and interview. A total of 212 health care beneficiaries and 187 health care practitioners participated. The study revealed the participants' recognition of the existence of language barriers, most notably in the use of a foreign language, pidgin, and specialized language. The results indicated the negative repercussions of these barriers on communication, health care, and patient safety In addition, the study revealed the psychological effects of language barriers on patients and health care workers. The participants' views were almost homogeneous. They supported the importance of using Arabic in health care and its direct impact on improving the quality of health care and enhancing patient safety. The study concludes with some practical proposals to enhance the use of Arabic in medical environments, such as using a translation phone and offering courses in Arabic for medical purposes.