Building the Medical Lexicon: A Corpus-Based Approach to Optimising Medical Terminology Acquisition for Pre-Health Science Students

Authors

  • Amira Abdullah Alshehri

    Department of Languages and Translation, College of Education and Arts, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47512, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v6i6.7400
Received: 2 October 2024 | Revised: 29 October 2024 | Accepted: 30 October 2024 | Published Online: 9 December 2024

Abstract

Pre-health science students, especially those learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL), encounter substantial challenges in acquiring medical vocabulary, as they must master specialised terminology while developing general English proficiency. This study addresses this issue by proposing a frequency-based, corpus-driven approach to streamline medical vocabulary acquisition and reduce cognitive load. Focusing on the skeletal system chapter of a medical textbook, the research categorises terms into four groups—foundational, intermediate, advanced, and deferred—based on their frequency and relevance within medical discourse. Using Sketch Engine as the primary corpus tool for analysis, high-frequency terms are prioritised in early instruction to build a strong foundation, while more complex terms are introduced incrementally to support progressive knowledge development. Rare, highly technical terms are deferred to advanced stages, ensuring students engage with essential terminology at appropriate learning points. The study provides a practical, data-driven framework adaptable across other medical domains, offering a scalable model to enhance EFL students’ vocabulary acquisition. By aligning instruction with frequency-based categories, educators can better manage students' learning burden, promote retention, and ensure mastery of critical concepts, while also guiding curriculum planning to foster gradual and structured learning progression.

Keywords:

Lexicon; Frequency-Based Approach; Medical Terminology; Vocabulary Acquisition; Corpus Analysis

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How to Cite

Abdullah Alshehri, A. (2024). Building the Medical Lexicon: A Corpus-Based Approach to Optimising Medical Terminology Acquisition for Pre-Health Science Students. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 6(6), 558–574. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v6i6.7400

Issue

Vol. 6 , Iss. 6 (December 2024)

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Article

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Copyright © 2024 Moussa Diagne Faye, Vini Yves Bernadin Loyara, Amadou Keita, Mamadou Diop, Angelbert Chabi Biaou, Mahamadou Koita, Hamma Yacouba

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