During a dental visit, a receptionist becomes frustrated with a patient who cannot speak English well. This demonstrates which type of discrimination?

• A. Ethnic discrimination
• B. Age discrimination
• C. Gender discrimination
• D. Language discrimination

Answer: (A)

Language discrimination is demonstrated when someone is treated unfavorably because of another person’s ability to speak or not speak the dominant language. In this scenario, the receptionist’s frustration stems from the patient’s limited English, not from the patient’s age, gender, or ethnicity. The bias is rooted in language capability, which is why this is the correct concept. Ethnic discrimination would involve bias tied to ethnicity or nationality, which isn’t the behavior described, and age or gender discrimination would require bias based on age or sex, not language. In practice, healthcare should respond with patience and provide appropriate communication support to ensure fair treatment.