Teaching Medicine in Leading Medical Languages or the Mother Tongue?

SUMMARY

EXISTING KNOWLEDGE

1. English as the Dominant Language in Medicine: English is the global lingua franca in medical education, with most textbooks, journals, and research papers written in English, making it the primary language of instruction in many medical schools worldwide.

2. Challenges for Non-Native English Speakers: Non-native English-speaking students often face difficulties understanding complex medical terminology in a foreign language, which can hinder comprehension and affect their academic performance.

3. Mother Tongue in Medical Education: There is ongoing debate about whether teaching medicine in a student's mother tongue could improve understanding and retention, particularly for those in non-English-speaking countries, by reducing the cognitive load associated with learning in a foreign language.

NEW INSIGHTS FROM THIS STUDY

1. Mixed Student Preferences: The study reveals that medical students have varied preferences when it comes to language instruction. Some prefer English due to its global relevance, while others favor their mother tongue for deeper understanding and ease of learning complex concepts.

2. Perceived Effectiveness of Bilingual Instruction: The study highlights that many students and educators see the potential benefits of a bilingual approach, where foundational concepts are taught in the mother tongue and advanced topics are introduced in English to bridge the gap between understanding and global medical communication.

3. Impacts on Clinical Practice: Medical professionals reported that while learning in English prepares them for global collaboration, using the mother tongue in clinical settings improves patient communication and care, particularly when interacting with local patients.

PUTTING RESEARCH INTO PRACTICE

1. Bilingual Curriculum Design: Develop bilingual medical curricula that introduce key concepts in the mother tongue and gradually integrate English, enabling students to build a strong foundation while preparing for international medical practice.

2. Language Support Programs: Implement language support initiatives, such as medical English courses, to help students become proficient in medical terminology and communication, enhancing their global competitiveness.

 3.  Localized Teaching Resources: Create teaching materials and textbooks in the mother tongue to complement existing English resources, ensuring that students have access to comprehensive learning materials in both languages.

REFERENCE: 

Article Title: Should Medicine be Taught in Leading Medical Languages or the Mother Tongue?

Authors: Abdullah Ashraf Hama and Basma Ehab Amer Journal: Current Medical Issues Year: 2024