Discourse Analysis Study of Clarification Requests in selected medical Dialogues
Abstract
The ability to communicate effectively and efficiently is one of the most vital skills in a work-related context, and if you want to reduce miscommunication, your communication has to be accurate and concise. This study investigates clarification requests within English for Specific Purposes (ESP) health communication as a lens on how learners manage understanding and collaboratively fix misunderstanding while developing their professional linguistic competence. Utilizing discourse analysis as the methodological framework, the study focuses on the analysis of authentic data of clarification requests used in role-plays and case discussions by Iraqi undergraduate students enrolled in an ESP healthcare program. The study results show students employ multiple functions of the discourse markers "so" and "you mean" to request a repeat, clarification, or explanation. This study extends our understanding of clarification request use for developing the students' medical vocabulary within an expanded and professional discourse. Similarly, this study also extends our understanding of the function of interactional adjustments to maintain coherence and develop fluency in the discourse, such as paraphrase or repetition. The results of the study suggest the pedagogical significance of teaching clarification request strategies in ESP classes for providing students with the tools to effectively navigate professional healthcare interaction.
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