10. MULTILINGUALISM IN MEDICINE: THE ROLE AND PROSPECTS OF THE KYRGYZ LANGUAGE (IN THE CONTEXT OF KYRGYZ, RUSSIAN AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES)

MULTILINGUALISM IN MEDICINE: THE ROLE AND PROSPECTS OF
THE KYRGYZ LANGUAGE (IN THE CONTEXT OF KYRGYZ, RUSSIAN AND
ENGLISH LANGUAGES)

T. Z. Zhamgyrchieva
Asian International University named after Satkynbai Tentishev
Department of Natural Sciences and Humanities

Abstract
Relevance. Globalization and international cooperation in healthcare make the issue of
multilingualism in medicine particularly relevant. In the healthcare system of Kyrgyzstan, the
Kyrgyz, Russian, and English languages are used simultaneously. The article examines issues of
multilingualism, as well as the place and prospects of the Kyrgyz language in the medical field.
Objective. To determine the functional capabilities of the three languages in medical education
and clinical practice of the Kyrgyz Republic and to assess the prospects for the development of
multilingualism.
Methods. A mixed research design was conducted: content analysis of curricula of four
medical universities, a survey of students and teachers, and semi-structured interviews with
practicing physicians. The analysis was performed using thematic analysis and descriptive
statistics.
Results. The Kyrgyz language, as the state language, is used primarily in the primary “doctor
patient” communication among the Kyrgyz-speaking population. However, medical terminology
in the Kyrgyz language is insufficiently developed. The Russian language retains a dominant
position as the language of scientific publications, medical documentation, and professional
communication between doctors. The English language is used for access to international
databases and participation in conferences. Only a small proportion of respondents are fluent in
all three languages at the professional level.
Conclusions. The introduction of a multilingual model in medical education requires the
development of integrated courses in medical terminology in three languages, the translation of
key clinical protocols into Kyrgyz, and compulsory English for academic mobility. The priority
is the development of the Kyrgyz-language terminology base.
Keywords: multilingualism, medical education, Kyrgyz language, professional
communication, terminology.