Asians face English barrier in US

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — One Asian had his wrong leg amputated while another was thrown in jail for not taking her medication -- all because of limited English proficiency in the United States.

The cases may seem appalling but not uncommon to Asian Americans.

More than 30 percent of 14 million Asian Americans -- most of whom are foreign born -- are weak in English, making them less likely to understand explanations of medical procedures and medication instructions, officials said.

They also risk losing equal access to voting rights and education and other government services because of the language barrier.

"I have heard many stories of failed access to services because of language issues," said US House of Representatives lawmaker Mike Honda, who has...