(De-)legitimizing medical professional discourses: evaluations from foreign English teachers in Japan

Abstract

ABSTRACTUtilizing Donal Carbaugh's work on Cultural Discourse Analysis, this study explores the intersection of language, intercultural, and health communication within the context of globalization by focusing upon foreign language teachers as migrant workers. As part of a larger study interviewing 49 migrant workers in Japan, this study focuses upon 10 specific individual accounts of Assistant English Language Teachers' (ALTs) medical encounters and interactions with Japanese medical providers (JMPs) in Japan to uncover: (a) discursive practices ALTs use to (de)-legitimize JMPs and (b) cultural assumptions ALTs expect of JMPs. In particular, three ways are uncovered wherein terms of talk between ALTs and JMPs influenced perceptions and conceptions of medical interaction in Japan. First, place was rendered meaningful by ALTs by using two interrelated terms: ‘back home' and ‘here.' Such demarcations operated to (de)-legitimize the medical professional's practices, procedures, and credibility. Second, construals of ‘good' and ‘bad' providers are highlighted as ALTs attempted to make sense of their medical interactions. Finally, the relationship between ALTs’ conception of space and place are considered in light of ALTs’ provider construals. Theoretical, practical, and future implications are discussed.