Science students and the language problem: suggestions for a systematic approach

Abstract

Science students experience difficulties with the language of science all over the world. Students using a second/foreign language as a medium of instruction experience the additional difficulties related to such use. The overall combination of the language-related problems is probably the major cause of the difficulties students encounter in their approach to scientific subjects. The present work outlines a basic framework for a systematic and practically-oriented investigation of such problems, the main purpose of the investigation being the collection of information to be utilised in the preparation of auxiliary teaching material specifically designed to address the identified factors.