Social Representations of English Language Learning in Nursing Students

Abstract

The objective of this work was to determine the central nucleus and the peripheral system of the social representations of learning English in nursing students in Sinaloa, Mexico. A mixed approach was adopted, and the technique of natural semantic networks was used for the structural approach of social representations and the procedural approach for in-depth interviews until theoretical saturation was reached. It was determined that the central core of learning the English language lies in the concepts of communication, opportunities, understanding and knowledge. While the social representations about learning English in nursing professionals are based on the concepts of communication and opportunities. In the procedural part, three theoretical categories were determined: 1) “English language learning styles”, 2) “Globalization, English and job opportunities” and 3) “English language learning opportunities”. Although nursing students recognize the importance of acquiring English language skills for their development in both the personal and professional spheres, there is still a long way to go to consolidate this skill in Mexican public institutions of higher education.