Medical professionals as reflective practitioners: On the language awareness of L2-speaking doctors

Abstract

This study investigates language proficiency from the perceptual perspective of L2 medical doctors in the Finnish context. Informed by the principles of Exploratory Practice, the research data were collected in an inclusive co-investigation during a preparatory course for the legalisation examinations of medical doctors qualified outside the EU. The participants were engaged to co-investigate their approaches to language and particularly the linguistic challenges they face in their professional encounters. Based on the thematic analysis of reflective diaries and focus group interviews of 27 medical doctors, the article examines how they as L2-speakers of Finnish approach language and talk about and deal with the linguistic challenges they identify as part of their daily work. The findings suggest that including inclusive perceptual approaches to language education for professional purposes contributes to the language awareness and professional identity of L2-speakers.