Unspoken Barriers: The Silent Struggle of Kurds in Turkish Hospitals

The Kurds in Turkey face a hidden struggle when they need medical help. This struggle is not about money or distance to hospitals. It is about language and feeling powerless. When researchers talk to these Kurds, they must listen carefully. The Kurds might not say it directly, but their words hold deeper meanings. The Kurds often do not speak Turkish well. This makes it hard for them to talk to doctors and nurses. They might feel scared or ashamed. They might think they are not good enough. This is what experts call internalized oppression. It is when a person starts to believe the bad things said about their group. In Turkey, the healthcare system is mostly in Turkish. This can make Kurds feel left out. They might not understand what is happening to them. They might not know how to ask for help. This can make them feel even more powerless. It is like they are in a foreign country, even though they are at home. Researchers must look beyond the surface when they talk to Kurds. They must try to understand the hidden messages. They must think about the bigger picture. They must ask themselves, "What is really going on here? " This can help them see the true effects of language-related oppression. The Kurds' stories can teach us a lot. They can show us how oppression can hide in plain sight. They can show us how important it is to listen carefully. They can show us how to fight against injustice, even when it is not obvious. It is a reminder that language is not just about words. It is about power. It is about who gets to be heard and who does not.