We all know the saying about the body: If you don't use it you lose it. Well the same applies to language skills. The best way to learn a language is to use it as often as possible.
This applies to any language whether it is Xhosa or Finnish or the language of anatomy and physiology.
Here are a few general strategies to follow to become fluent in the language of your profession:
1. Practise talking and writing using the formal or academic register whenever appropriate. Use it when doing a presentation in class, when writing up a case history, when writing an essay even when you are explaining some aspect of the work to a class mate.
2. Use language accurately and precisely. Using the correct grammar and spelling not only makes a better impression it also helps to clarify your reasoning.
3. Use the correct scientific vocabulary and terminology e.g. gastrocnemius rather than calf muscle. That way you are not only learning the language but you are also learning through language.
4. Make sure you understand the precise meaning of each word and phrase. If you are not sure that you know EXACTLY what the word means, consult a dictionary or the glossaries in your text books.
5. Develop your own dictionary of useful and often-used scientific terms and add new words, terms and phrases as they arise or are introduced.
6. Be aware that in scientific and academic language words may have different meanings to everyday use. For example when using the word argument in academic language we do mean to have a quarrel. Rather it refers to your line of reasoning.
7. Also note that scientific terms have different meanings in different contexts. For example when the word manipulation is used in massage it has a very different meaning to when a psychologist uses the word.
8. Write scientific definitions and concepts in your own words or draw or collect visual images to help improve your understanding of the terms encountered.
9. If you are a second-language English speaker, look up the meaning of the words and concepts in your own language also. Education theory shows that it is easier to grasp abstract concepts in ones home language.
10. Clarify and consolidate your ideas by talking to others about the topics you are studying. One of the best ways of learning is by teaching. Make sure you use professional language so that you also get used to the sound and rhythm.
11. “Think and speak’ the words and phrases when applying theory to practice. For example identify the muscles while practising massage skills or explain to yourself exactly what technique you are using, why you have selected it and what you want to achieve by using it. Not only will this help you to combine theory and practice, you will also get used to formulating your ideas using the appropriate language.
This applies to any language whether it is Xhosa or Finnish or the language of anatomy and physiology.
Here are a few general strategies to follow to become fluent in the language of your profession:
1. Practise talking and writing using the formal or academic register whenever appropriate. Use it when doing a presentation in class, when writing up a case history, when writing an essay even when you are explaining some aspect of the work to a class mate.
2. Use language accurately and precisely. Using the correct grammar and spelling not only makes a better impression it also helps to clarify your reasoning.
3. Use the correct scientific vocabulary and terminology e.g. gastrocnemius rather than calf muscle. That way you are not only learning the language but you are also learning through language.
4. Make sure you understand the precise meaning of each word and phrase. If you are not sure that you know EXACTLY what the word means, consult a dictionary or the glossaries in your text books.
5. Develop your own dictionary of useful and often-used scientific terms and add new words, terms and phrases as they arise or are introduced.
6. Be aware that in scientific and academic language words may have different meanings to everyday use. For example when using the word argument in academic language we do mean to have a quarrel. Rather it refers to your line of reasoning.
7. Also note that scientific terms have different meanings in different contexts. For example when the word manipulation is used in massage it has a very different meaning to when a psychologist uses the word.
8. Write scientific definitions and concepts in your own words or draw or collect visual images to help improve your understanding of the terms encountered.
9. If you are a second-language English speaker, look up the meaning of the words and concepts in your own language also. Education theory shows that it is easier to grasp abstract concepts in ones home language.
10. Clarify and consolidate your ideas by talking to others about the topics you are studying. One of the best ways of learning is by teaching. Make sure you use professional language so that you also get used to the sound and rhythm.
11. “Think and speak’ the words and phrases when applying theory to practice. For example identify the muscles while practising massage skills or explain to yourself exactly what technique you are using, why you have selected it and what you want to achieve by using it. Not only will this help you to combine theory and practice, you will also get used to formulating your ideas using the appropriate language.
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