Challenges in translating medical literature (English-Ukrainian) for junior medical students

The translation of scientific medical texts is an essential component of medical education, as it enriches students’ medical terminology and provides new information for future professional use. This article examined the translation of medical literature by medical students during their studies and the challenges encountered when working with scientific sources. The study aimed to analyse current issues faced by students in translating, adapting, and utilising medical literature and to provide recommendations for addressing these difficulties. The findings indicated that the translation process is fraught with challenges, particularly due to the complexity of medical terminology, the presence of Greek and Latin roots, the use of calques and Anglicisms, and the lack of direct equivalents in the target language. These factors contribute to inaccurate or imprecise translations, which may lead to misinformation when applied in professional practice. Additionally, linguistic and cultural barriers further complicate the translation process. The article also explored key strategies for addressing each of the identified challenges, aiming to facilitate junior medical students’ work with scientific medical texts. Methods that yield the best results in language learning and help enhance communication skills were proposed, including engagement with native speakers, regular use of dictionaries and encyclopaedias, and practical translation exercises to develop additional skills. The identification of common errors and difficulties encountered by students will contribute to improving the learning process and enhancing the quality of medical text translations. The findings may be of value to educators in medical institutions as well as professionals involved in the translation of medical literature