In teaching nursing to learners whose primary language is not English, I try to utilize the Latin in assisting with root  word meanings. It helps them to see that knowing French, Italian or Spanish can be an asset. As an example, the term "nucchal" rigidity provides an immediate association for the Spanish person as "nuca" means neck.

As another example, a pontine infarct means something very specific to a French speaking person as "pont" is French for bridge. If you understand the bridge analogy, you see why a client with a pontine infarct has specific signs and symptoms.

People who are learning English frequently feel that they are playing catch up. This is a way to show them that in these scenarios, they are already ahead of the game.

Building positive associations helps students to be more receptive to future challenges.