Journal of Languages for Specific Purposes (Mar 2023)
CULTURE MATTERS: DESIGNING AND DELIVERING A FRENCH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES (FSP) COURSE FOR THE MEDICAL SOFTWARE SECTOR IN BELGIUM
Abstract
This article describes the creation of French for specific purposes (FSP) materials for the medical technology sector for in a week-long course designed for non-specialist French speakers going to Belgium on a three-year medical software project. Language for specific purposes (LSP) generally incorporates general cultural competence, which has long been considered a central component of foreign language education, along with developing competencies and skills based on employers’ requirements, language awareness, and professional competencies. Alongside key linguistic skills – for example, vocabulary building in a certain area such as law, medicine, or technology – LSP courses need to equally consider individual regional cultural elements including linguistic variants as an integral part of their specific purpose, instead of adding it as an ancillary aspect. Because of the interconnectedness of language and culture, LSP educators must explicitly and methodically consider cultural familiarity as an outcome by integrating it into the needs analysis, development, delivery, and conclusion of the course. In this example, the instructional team collected and modified materials from textbook and web resources to create an FSP course that included an overview of French medical and technological terminology as well as an introduction to Belgian French, relevant cultural material, and a focus on linguistic authenticity. Using qualitative methods, this article presents the ways in which the FSP course foregrounded culture and demonstrates specific examples from the pedagogical materials designed for students. This curriculum model can serve as a framework for those interested in infusing their FSP curriculum with cultural relevance as an additional specific purpose.
