Language and technology: Incorporating English Paediatric Medical Terms into the Igbo Language
Conference: The 23rd Annual International Conference of the Igbo Studies Association (ISA) (2026)
Presenter(s): Helen Chijiago Echebima, Mary Chinturu Adindu
Abstract
Advancements in medical practices are facing challenges especially in the realm of paediatric terms within the Igbo language and culture. This research explores the need to incorporate English medical terms into the Igbo language through electronic mechanisms. The research pointed out its necessities, opportunities and challenges. Its findings revealed that the provision of the bilingual glossary English-Igbo paediatric medical terms is paramount to effective communication and treatment. And that certain cultural beliefs and practices affect the health-seeking behaviour of the families which was also put into consideration while translating the terms into the Igbo dialect. It also emphasised the need for standardisation for desired intelligibility and encouraged collaborative efforts of the professionals and cultural experts to help establish dynamic paediatric terms that will not only promote effective communication but also incorporate cultural knowledge, edge, and practices. The major aim of the research is to provide an English-Igbo glossary of paediatric terms that will not only bridge the communication gap but also help preserve the Igbo language and strengthen cultural identity in the Igbo-speaking milieu. And emphasises the relevance of machine translators and software in translating indigenous languages. The researchers constructed an interview schedule which was conducted on the selected respondents, professionals, and natives to enable them to interpret or translate the terms. The Relevance Theory was used.
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