Opinion: Turkish in Medical Communication

Abstract

Several problems associated with the use of Turkish in medical, and in particular, radiological communication are addressed in this article. Many words used in medical communication in Turkey have been adapted from European languages. Incorrect spelling and pronounciation of these words occurs quite frequently. A significant proportion of "Turkish" medical vocabulary has been inherited from the former invaders of the Turkish, namely the Persian and Arabic languages. For a rich and living Turkish in medical communication, we must respect our maternal language, prefer the already existing Turkish medical terminology, and try to find and introduce Turkish counterparts for new medical terms.