91ÅÝܽ

Breaking new ground in health equity, SFU World Languages and Literatures' Punjabi instructor and translator Reetinder Kaur is spearheading a bold push to transform English-to-Punjabi medical translations with a culturally rooted framework.

Frustrated by AI-generated texts that default to masculine language, misuse words, and even risk shaming patients, Kaur is co-developing the Punjabi Translation Framework to ensure clarity, respect, and cultural sensitivity. By addressing the complexities of Punjabi’s two scripts, Gurmukhī and Shahmukhi, and weaving in gender-aware language, Kaur aims to eliminate dangerous miscommunications and empower Punjabi women with the tools to fully understand their health information. Her mission is not just about words on a page — it’s about breaking barriers to care and giving agency back to one of British Columbia’s fastest-growing communities.

Dr. Kaur was recently featured in CBC News:  and 

She also participated in a discussion on bridging language and health, with the Women's Health Research Institute which can be viewed below.