Communication is a complex process comprising much more than just a linguistic component. It requires the interpretation of speech, tone, facial expressions, body language, gestures and assumptions shared between the communicants about the context and purpose of the exchange (15). Communicating effectively with patients presents challenges for nurses. In addition to being skilled in interpreting the factors identified above, the professional language nurses use can be difficult for patients to understand, so nurses need to simplify complex terminology and avoid jargon (15). The challenges are even greater where the patient is from a different cultural back ground to the nurse and they do not speak the same language
(11, 21).