[lg policy] Dissertation: Language Planning and Terminology Management: Assessment and dissemination of medical terminology in Jordan

[Harold Schiffman]

Language Planning and Terminology Management: Assessment and
dissemination of medical terminology in Jordan


Institution: Birmingham City University
Program: Linguistics
Dissertation Status: Completed
Degree Date: 2007

Author: Hussein Abdo Rababah

Dissertation Title: Language Planning and Terminology Management:
Assessment and dissemination of medical terminology in Jordan

Linguistic Field(s): General Linguistics

Dissertation Director:
Howard Jackson

Dissertation Abstract:

Language planning and medical terminology management in Jordan is
investigated as a case study, both qualitatively and quantitatively, from
the perspective of general language planning and terminology
management theories and principles. English is the communicative and
professional medical language in Jordan. Medical staff often switch
from English to Arabic and vice versa. Arabic medical terminology,
which is important for patient communication, is not properly
standardized. There is more than one Arabic medical equivalent for the
same medical concept, which causes ambiguity and confusion to
language users. The assumption of this study is that Arabic medical
terms are available, but they are not well disseminated. Code
switching, bilingualism, euphemism, dysphemism, synonymy, term
formation are discussed in their relation to language planning and
terminology management.

The methodology includes attitudinal questionnaires for investigating
medical language users' opinions and attitudes towards terminology
management, a translation form for evaluating the mechanisms for
spreading Arabic medical terminology, a survey of medical dictionaries
for the availability of Arabic medical terminology, and interviews with
the people responsible for language planning and terminology
management. The expected benefits of having a standardized and
disseminated Arabic medical terminology include the enhancement of
communication between health care providers and users, the
facilitation of the translation process, the transfer of medical knowledge
to Jordan, an increase in the health awareness of people, and
improving the education of medical related careers. The research
concludes that there is no organized strategy for innovating and
disseminating medical terminology in Jordan. The subjects are
generally in favour of keeping English as the medical language as well
as having a standardised and disseminated Arabic medical
terminology. A practical strategy is proposed, and the terminology
committee is recommended to appoint a Medical Terminology Monitor
and a Liaison Person.

http://linguistlist.org/issues/23/23-2876.html

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