Digital Divide in Access to AI Health Services Across Linguistic Minorities: An English Language and Literature Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63345/Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Digital Divide, Linguistic Minorities, AI Healthcare, Language Accessibility, Digital LiteracyAbstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled health services are transforming healthcare delivery through automated diagnosis support, virtual assistants, predictive analytics, and personalized health recommendations. However, unequal access to these technologies remains a significant challenge, particularly among linguistic minority communities where language barriers influence digital participation and healthcare communication. This study examines the digital divide in AI-based healthcare access from an English Language and Literature perspective by analysing the relationship between language accessibility, digital literacy, trust, and adoption of AI health platforms among linguistically diverse users. A mixed-method research design was adopted involving a structured survey of 300 respondents belonging to linguistic minority groups. The findings reveal that English proficiency, availability of multilingual AI interfaces, and confidence in digital communication significantly influence AI healthcare adoption. Statistical analysis indicates a strong association between language accessibility and willingness to use AI health services. The study highlights the importance of inclusive language design, culturally responsive AI systems, and multilingual digital health communication strategies for reducing disparities in emerging healthcare technologies.
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