Translanguaging In Medical Education: A Case Of Undergraduate Students In Health Sciences Faculty At A South African University Of Technology

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-134-0_29How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Translanguaging Pedagogy; Multilingualism; Higher Education; Medical Education

Abstract

There is a significant amount of research available on translanguaging pedagogy, which highlights the substantial efforts of tertiary-level researchers in South Africa towards this approach. This study explored the perceptions and experiences of undergraduate medical students towards translanguaging in medical education in a South African University of Technology (UoT) located in a township. Translanguaging is a language practice that involves using multiple languages to communicate effectively, which has been shown to have positive outcomes in language learning and teaching, including the medical field. However, there is limited research on the use of translanguaging in medical education among undergraduate students especially those that come from disadvantaged backgrounds and schools. The study used a qualitative research design, employing semi-structured interviews with undergraduate health science students from different year levels. The data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study showed that a sizable portion of participants expressed support for the instructor using both English and their first language during lessons. Participants believe that switching between languages can improve comprehension, especially when complex concepts are conveyed in their home language. Translanguaging encourages a more inclusive and relaxed learning environment where students may freely express themselves and take part in fruitful peer interactions. Therefore, translanguaging in medical education should be considered by facilitators for effective communication and patient-centered care as well as the promotion of students’ bilingualism and biliteracy to maximize their learning.

Copyright

© 2023 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Nokukhanya Thembane
AU  - Ntokozo Zulu
PY  - 2023
DA  - 2023/11/06
TI  - Translanguaging In Medical Education: A Case Of Undergraduate Students In Health Sciences Faculty At A South African University Of Technology
BT  - Proceedings of the 10th Focus Conference (TFC 2023)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 437
EP  - 453
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-134-0_29
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-134-0_29
ID  - Thembane2023
ER  -