Abstract
This article presents the process of developing a Language for Specific Purpose (LSP) course, “Basic Arabic for Medical Professionals.” This course will be offered for the first time through Michigan State University’s (MSU) School of Osteopathic Medicine during the fall of2014 and may continue to be offered in subsequent semesters. MSU’s School of OsteopathicMedicine has already been offering a Medical Spanish course for three years and wanted to expand its language offerings. Arabic was a logical choice since the Detroit Metropolitan area inMichigan, in particular Wayne County, has the largest percentage of Arab Americans in theUnited States, and thus health care providers in the eastern part of Michigan’s lower peninsula regularly come into contact with Arabic-speaking patients. Additionally, public and community health organizations and agencies such as the Arab Community Center for Economic and SocialServices (ACCESS) in Dearborn, MI regularly hear concerns from Arab clients about their experiences with the Western health system. Despite its high percentage, the Arab community has been a medically underserved population in many ways (for more information, see ArabCommunity Center for Economic and Social Services, 1999).
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Developing Courses in Languages for Specific Purposes |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 |
| Externally published | Yes |