Exploring the classical roots of medical terminology
Introduction
Teaching and learning medical terminology is considered a problem, both for teachers, who are supposed to convey scientific concepts hidden in ambiguous lexemes, and for students, frightened by long and unfamiliar words that they do not know how to pronounce, spell, or understand. As most medical terms derive from Latin and a Latinised form of Greek, usually seen as strange foreign languages, the journey for the student pursuing a career in the medical sector seems impossible.
This is indeed a daunting task and most students wonder whether it is worth it. And yet, a basic knowledge of classical terminology would allow them to break down medical terms into component parts, continuously repeated in several combinations, and understand how they describe body parts, functions, conditions, and symptoms (see Table 1). Perhaps, having a look at why it is that classical terms flooded into English to such an extent might be of benefit to contextualise the question within the right framework.
Editor-in-Chief
Co-Editors
Managing Editor
Victoria White
Deputy Managing Editor
Alicia Waltman
Associate Editors
Section Editors
Biotechnology
Digital Communication
EMWA News
Gained in Translation
Getting Your Foot in the Door
Good Writing Practice
Alison McIntosh / Stephen Gilliver
In the Bookstores
Manuscript Writing
Medical Communications/Writing for Patients
Medical Devices
My First Medical Writing
News from the EMA
Out on Our Own
Pharmacovigilance
Regulatory Matters
Regulatory Public Disclosure
Teaching Medical Writing
The Crofter: Sustainable Communications
Veterinary Writing
Editors Emeritus
Lay out Designer
Chris Monk