From the experience of teaching Latin in English to Ukrainian medical students at Kharkiv National Medical University

Abstract

Teaching Latin to higher education students who are trained in English presents several challenges. While most students who choose to study in English have a high level of proficiency (50% of the group are bi- or trilingual and have lived abroad), even after passing the University’s foreign language department entrance exam, one of the key issues is the disparity in students’ language proficiency levels. Not all students have adequate English language skills, especially in specialized medical terminology, which can lead to gaps in their professional vocabulary. This necessitates a more detailed in-class explanation of not only Latin terms but English vocabulary and grammar as well. In such circumstances, the continuous professional development of teachers and active exchange of experience among medical university faculties are essential.