Linguistic vitality improves health and wellbeing in Indigenous communities: a scoping review

Abstract

IntroductionWhile Indigenous communities have long recognized the importance of their languages for their wellbeing, this topic has only recently received attention in scholarship, research and public policy. This scoping review synthesizes and assesses existing literature on the links between Indigenous linguistic vitality and health or wellness in English-speaking settler colonial countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States).MethodsThe JBI methodology for scoping reviews was followed by an interdisciplinary research team. Key databases searched included MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Searches were restricted to English language literature. The last search was on February 8, 2021. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted to categorize and elucidate the nature of the links reported.ResultsOver 10,000 records were reviewed and 262 met the inclusion criteria – 70% academic and 30% gray literature. The largest number of studies focus on Canadian contexts. 78% of the original research studies report only supportive links between Indigenous languages and health, while 98% of the literature reviews report supportive links. Linguistic vitality tends to support health and wellness outcomes, while the diminishment of languages is associated with worse health. The most prevalent links with linguistic vitality are healthcare outcomes, overall health and healing, and mental, cognitive, and psychological health and development. The results of the remaining original research studies were mixed (10%), statistically non-significant (6%), adverse (5%) and neutral (1%).ConclusionsThe results of this scoping review suggest that linguistic vitality is a determinant of health for Indigenous peoples in the contexts studied. Recommendations for harnessing the healing effects of language include increasing tangible support to language programs, delivering linguistically tailored health care and promotion, and advancing knowledge through funding relevant community-engaged research and education.Article HighlightsOur interdisciplinary authorship team conducted a scoping review involving the screening of nearly 10,000 publications.262 academic and grey literature reports were published between 1949-2019 which had a central focus on exploring the links between Indigenous languages and health.78% of original research studies and 98% of reviews report exclusively supportive links between linguistic vitality and the health and wellness of Indigenous peoples.Key areas linked to health include healthcare outcomes, overall health and healing, and mental, cognitive, and psychological health and development.Linguistic vitality is a determinant of health for Indigenous peoples and should be leveraged through supporting language programs, delivering linguistically tailored care, and funding community-engaged research and education.