ESTIMATED TIME: 5 minutes
Mastering language in the clinical consult may seem a daunting task, so it makes sense to focus on the most important areas. Those that have been found as common language learning needs in the Adelaide to Outback learning needs anlysis are listed below.
Throughout this module we focus on ‘key terms’. By ‘key terms’ we mean the important words – the words that convey the nature of the diagnosis, or the procedure or expectations about behaviour that you are discussing with your patient. Because they're important, it makes sense to focus your energies here first.
Improving accent
Accent is the way in which words are pronounced. Accent tells the listener something about the speaker, such as whether they are a native speaker of the language. An accent can sometimes negatively influence the listener's grasp of the speaker's meaning.
Improving register
Register is the style of speech used by a particular group, with its own special words or phrases, jargon, and grammar.
Medical and health professionals use a particular register when speaking together, that a patient may not understand.
Improving fluency
Fluency refers to the features of speech that make it sound 'natural' and easily produced, such as rhythm, sentence structure, and vocabulary.
Improving engagement
Engaging a patient involves a combination of factors. Two of them covered in this module are the use and understanding of slang (informal language), and the audibility of speech.