NAATI CCL Tamil Health & Medical Practice Dialogues — Worked Examples

Tamil medical interpreting requires navigating the diglossia between literary sentamil and colloquial koduntamil, as patients use spoken forms while medical documents employ formal written Tamil. Honorific plural verb forms are essential — doctors are addressed with neenga (you, respectful plural) and corresponding verb endings like sollunga (please tell, honorific), while patients use naan (I) with plain forms. Sanskrit borrowings rendered in Grantha script enter medical vocabulary through terms like இரத்த அழுத்தம் (iraththa azhuttham, blood pressure) and நோயறிதல் (noyarithal, diagnosis), creating compound words that differ from colloquial health expressions like மருந்து (marundhu, medicine). The agglutinative structure means verb forms compress tense, person, and politeness: எடுத்துக்கொள்ள வேண்டும் (eduthukkolla vendum, must take) layers obligation onto the verb. Administrative Tamil terminology used in health forms like மருத்துவச் சான்றிதழ் (maruththuvach chaandridhazh, medical certificate) differs markedly from the spoken Tamil patients use. English code-mixing with BP, sugar, tablet, and scan is standard.

7 practice dialogues

GP Visit — Persistent Headaches

This dialogue is between a woman and a Doctor at a GP clinic. The woman has been experiencing persistent headaches for several weeks and is seeking medical advice.

Seg 1Doctor
English → LOTE

Good morning. I can see from your file that you've been experiencing headaches for the past two weeks. Can you describe the pain for me?

Seg 2Patient
LOTE → English

ஆம் டாக்டர். வலி பெரும்பாலும் தலையின் வலது பக்கத்தில் இருக்கும். காலையில் தொடங்கி நாள் முழுவதும் மோசமாகும். சில நேரங்களில் தலைச்சுற்றலும் வரும்.

Seg 3Doctor
English → LOTE

I see. Have you noticed any changes in your vision, or do you feel nauseous when the headaches are severe?

Seg 4Patient
LOTE → English

பார்வை மாற்றங்கள் இல்லை, ஆனால் வலி கடுமையாக இருக்கும்போது குமட்டல் வரும். கடந்த வாரம் ஒரு முறை வாந்தி எடுத்தேன்.

Seg 5Doctor
English → LOTE

I'd like to run some tests, including a blood test and possibly a CT scan, just to rule out anything serious. I'll also refer you to a specialist if needed.

Seg 6Patient
LOTE → English

CT ஸ்கேன் என்றால் தீவிரமான ஏதாவது இருக்கிறதா? நான் கவலைப்படுகிறேன்.

Seg 7Doctor
English → LOTE

The blood test results should be available within three days. The CT scan might take about a week. Please try not to worry — most headaches have simple causes like stress or tension.

Seg 8Patient
LOTE → English

CT ஸ்கேன் எவ்வளவு செலவாகும்? மருத்துவ காப்பீடு உள்ளதா?

Seg 9Doctor
English → LOTE

You can continue with paracetamol for now, but don't exceed four grams per day. I'll also prescribe a mild anti-inflammatory that may help with the pain. Make sure you stay hydrated and get enough rest.

Seg 10Patient
LOTE → English

எவ்வளவு நேரத்தில் முடிவுகள் வரும்?

Seg 11Doctor
English → LOTE

One more thing — if your headaches suddenly become much worse, or you experience sudden vision loss or difficulty speaking, please go to the emergency department immediately.

Seg 12Patient
LOTE → English

நன்றி டாக்டர். சந்திப்பை பதிவு செய்கிறேன்.

Emergency Room — Chest Pain

This dialogue is between a man and a Triage Nurse at an emergency department. The man has arrived with chest pain and tightness and the nurse is assessing his condition.

Seg 1Triage Nurse
English → LOTE

Hello, I'm the triage nurse. Can you tell me what brought you to the emergency department today?

Seg 2Patient
LOTE → English

ஆம், எனக்கு சமீபத்தில் வகை 2 நீரிழிவு நோய் கண்டறியப்பட்டது. என் இரத்த சர்க்கரை அளவு அதிகமாக உள்ளது என்று கூறினார், ஆனால் நான் என் உணவை மாற்றுவது எப்படி என்று தெரியவில்லை.

Seg 3Triage Nurse
English → LOTE

On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate the pain? Does it spread to your arm, jaw, or back?

Seg 4Patient
LOTE → English

நான் அரிசி மற்றும் நூடுல்ஸ் அதிகம் சாப்பிடுவேன். இவற்றை முற்றிலும் நிறுத்த வேண்டுமா?

Seg 5Triage Nurse
English → LOTE

Given your symptoms, we need to act quickly. I'm taking you to the treatment area immediately. We'll do an ECG and blood tests right away. Are you allergic to any medications?

Seg 6Patient
LOTE → English

என் கணவர் சர்க்கரை நோய்க்கு பழங்கள் கூடாது என்கிறார். அது உண்மையா?

Seg 7Triage Nurse
English → LOTE

Thank you. Is there anyone we should contact — a family member or next of kin?

Seg 8Patient
LOTE → English

பால் பற்றி என்ன? நான் தினமும் இரண்டு கிளாஸ் முழு கொழுப்பு பால் குடிக்கிறேன்.

Seg 9Triage Nurse
English → LOTE

We're going to monitor your heart rhythm and give you some aspirin as a precaution. A doctor will see you within the next few minutes.

Seg 10Patient
LOTE → English

தனிப்பட்ட உணவுத் திட்டம் தயாரிக்க முடியுமா? சமையல் குறிப்புகள் இருந்தால் மிகவும் உதவியாக இருக்கும்.

Seg 11Triage Nurse
English → LOTE

We won't know until we've done the tests. Try to stay calm and rest. The medical team will explain everything once they've assessed you.

Seg 12Patient
LOTE → English

மிகவும் நன்றி. நீரிழிவு என்று கேட்டபோது பயமாக இருந்தது, ஆனால் இப்போது அது சரியான உணவுப்பழக்கத்தால் கட்டுப்படுத்தக்கூடியது என்று புரிகிறது.

Pharmacy — Prescription Medication

This dialogue is between a man and a Pharmacist. The man has come to fill a prescription for cholesterol medication and the pharmacist is explaining the dosage and side effects.

Seg 1Pharmacist
English → LOTE

Good afternoon. I see you have a prescription here. Before I fill it, I need to ask a few questions. Is this medication for you?

Seg 2Patient
LOTE → English

என் மகனுக்கு நான்கு வயது. விளையாடும்போது கீழே விழுந்து கையைப் பிடித்துக்கொண்டு அழுகிறான். அசைக்கும்போது மிகவும் வலிக்கிறது.

Seg 3Pharmacist
English → LOTE

This is atorvastatin, a statin medication. Take one tablet at night, preferably at the same time each day. Are you currently taking any other medications or supplements?

Seg 4Patient
LOTE → English

ஒவ்வாமை ஏதுமில்லை. எலும்பு முறிவா? இங்கு எவ்வளவு நேரம் காத்திருக்க வேண்டும்?

Seg 5Pharmacist
English → LOTE

There are no major interactions between those medications. However, avoid eating grapefruit while taking atorvastatin, as it can increase drug levels in your blood. Common side effects include muscle pain and digestive issues.

Seg 6Patient
LOTE → English

மருத்துவமனையில் தங்க வேண்டுமா?

Seg 7Pharmacist
English → LOTE

If you experience significant muscle pain, see your doctor before stopping the medication. Don't stop it on your own.

Seg 8Patient
LOTE → English

செலவு பற்றி கவலையாக உள்ளது. மெடிகேர் உள்ளது ஆனால் தனியார் காப்பீடு இல்லை.

Seg 9Pharmacist
English → LOTE

With your concession card, the cost is seven dollars sixty for a month's supply. Would you like me to put it on your medication record?

Seg 10Patient
LOTE → English

தொடர் சிகிச்சைக்கு நான் எங்கு செல்ல வேண்டும்?

Seg 11Pharmacist
English → LOTE

Your medication will be ready in about ten minutes. You can wait here or come back later. Do you have any other questions?

Seg 12Patient
LOTE → English

நன்றி டாக்டர். முடிந்தவரை விரைவில் சந்திப்பை பதிவு செய்கிறேன்.

Specialist Referral — Cardiologist

This dialogue is between a woman and a Cardiologist, Dr Chen. The woman has been referred by her GP for heart-related symptoms and is undergoing specialist assessment.

Seg 1Cardiologist
English → LOTE

Good morning. I'm Dr Chen, the cardiologist. Your GP referred you because of some abnormal results in your recent ECG. How have you been feeling?

Seg 2Patient
LOTE → English

நான் கொஞ்சம் பதற்றமாக இருக்கிறேன். என்ன காண்பிக்கிறது?

Seg 3Cardiologist
English → LOTE

How long do these episodes last, and how often do they occur?

Seg 4Patient
LOTE → English

ஐந்து முதல் பத்து நிமிடங்கள் நீடிக்கும், வாரத்தில் இரண்டு மூன்று முறை. சுமார் இரண்டு மாதங்களுக்கு முன் தொடங்கியது.

Seg 5Cardiologist
English → LOTE

I'd like to perform an echocardiogram today — an ultrasound of your heart. It shows how your heart is functioning. We may also fit a Holter monitor to record your rhythm over twenty-four hours.

Seg 6Patient
LOTE → English

எவ்வளவு உடற்பயிற்சி செய்ய வேண்டும்?

Seg 7Cardiologist
English → LOTE

No, the echocardiogram is completely painless — it's just like a regular ultrasound. The Holter monitor is a small device you wear home and return the next day.

Seg 8Patient
LOTE → English

மன அழுத்தமும் காரணமா? வேலையில் மிகவும் அழுத்தம்.

Seg 9Cardiologist
English → LOTE

Family history is important, and it's good that you're getting this checked. We'll have a much clearer picture after these tests. In the meantime, avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Seg 10Patient
LOTE → English

புகைபிடிப்பது எனக்கு எவ்வளவு பாதிப்பை ஏற்படுத்துகிறது? நான் நாளொன்றுக்கு பத்து சிகரெட் புகைக்கிறேன்.

Seg 11Cardiologist
English → LOTE

Try to reduce it to one cup in the morning at most. Caffeine can trigger the palpitations you've been experiencing. I'll also check your thyroid function, as that can sometimes cause similar symptoms.

Seg 12Patient
LOTE → English

நன்றி, டாக்டர் சென். திட்டம் இருப்பதை அறிந்து நிம்மதி.

Mental Health — Counselling Session

This dialogue is between a man and a Counsellor at a mental health session. The man has been dealing with stress and anxiety, and this is a follow-up counselling session.

Seg 1Counsellor
English → LOTE

Welcome back. How have you been since our last session? I remember you were going through a difficult time at work.

Seg 2Client
LOTE → English

ஆம், மிகவும் நன்றி. பெப் ஸ்மியர் முடிவுகள் சாதாரணமா?

Seg 3Counsellor
English → LOTE

I'm sorry to hear that. When you say you can't concentrate, can you give me an example of how that's affecting your daily life?

Seg 4Client
LOTE → English

அசாதாரண செல்கள் என்றால் என்ன? நான் மிகவும் கவலைப்படுகிறேன்.

Seg 5Counsellor
English → LOTE

That must have been very stressful. It sounds like the anxiety from work is spilling over into other areas of your life. Have you had any thoughts of harming yourself?

Seg 6Client
LOTE → English

இல்லை, அப்படி எதுவும் இல்லை. வெறுமனே சோர்வாகவும் களைப்பாகவும் உணர்கிறேன். எப்போதாவது நிலைமை சரியாகுமா என்று யோசிக்கிறேன்.

Seg 7Counsellor
English → LOTE

Those feelings are very common when we're under prolonged stress. I'd like to teach you some breathing techniques that can help manage the anxiety in the moment. Would you be open to that?

Seg 8Client
LOTE → English

ஆமாம், எதையும் முயற்சிக்கத் தயார். மனைவி மருந்து தேவைப்படலாம் என்றாள். அவசியமா?

Seg 9Counsellor
English → LOTE

That's something your GP can assess. I can write a letter recommending a review if you'd like. In the meantime, let's focus on some practical strategies. How much exercise are you getting?

Seg 10Client
LOTE → English

எவ்வளவு விரைவில் முடியும்?

Seg 11Counsellor
English → LOTE

Getting back to some form of regular exercise, even just a thirty-minute walk each day, can significantly improve sleep and reduce anxiety. Let's set that as a goal for this week.

Seg 12Client
LOTE → English

சந்திப்பை பதிவு செய்கிறேன். விளக்கியதற்கு நன்றி — இப்போது நிலையை நன்கு புரிந்துகொண்டேன்.

Dental Appointment — Toothache

This dialogue is between a man and a Dentist. The man has come in with a toothache and the dentist is diagnosing the problem and explaining treatment options.

Seg 1Dentist
English → LOTE

Good morning. I can see from your notes that you're here for a toothache. Can you point to where the pain is?

Seg 2Patient
LOTE → English

கடந்த சில மாதங்களாக கடுமையான கவலை மற்றும் பீதித் தாக்குதல்கள் இருக்கின்றன. வேலைக்கு செல்ல முடியாத அளவுக்கு மோசமாகிவிட்டது.

Seg 3Dentist
English → LOTE

Let me take a look. I'm going to use this mirror and probe to examine the area. You might feel some pressure. When did you last visit a dentist?

Seg 4Patient
LOTE → English

வாரத்திற்கு இரண்டு அல்லது மூன்று முறை. இதயம் வேகமாக அடிக்கும், மூச்சு திணறும், மயக்கம் வருவது போல் இருக்கும். எந்த எச்சரிக்கையும் இல்லாமல் திடீரென வரும்.

Seg 5Dentist
English → LOTE

There's a large cavity in your lower right molar. The decay has gone deep, causing the sensitivity. We'll need an X-ray to see if the nerve is affected.

Seg 6Patient
LOTE → English

ஆலோசனை செலவு எவ்வளவு? நிதி நிலைமை கடினமாக உள்ளது.

Seg 7Dentist
English → LOTE

Let's wait for the X-ray results before deciding treatment. Root canals today are much more comfortable than before. We use local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain.

Seg 8Patient
LOTE → English

சிகிச்சை செலவு எவ்வளவு? தனியார் சுகாதார காப்பீடு இல்லை.

Seg 9Dentist
English → LOTE

A filling would be around two hundred dollars, and a root canal with a crown can range from one thousand to two thousand dollars. We do offer payment plans if that helps.

Seg 10Patient
LOTE → English

நெருக்கடி நேரத்தில் யாரிடம் அழைக்க வேண்டும்?

Seg 11Dentist
English → LOTE

If the X-ray shows the nerve isn't damaged, a filling should be sufficient and much more affordable. Let's take the X-ray first and then discuss your options.

Seg 12Patient
LOTE → English

சந்திப்பை பதிவு செய்ய விரும்புகிறேன். நீண்ட காலமாக இதை சமாளிக்க முயற்சித்து வருகிறேன்.

Physiotherapy Assessment — Back Injury

This dialogue is between a man and a Physiotherapist. The man has been referred for lower back pain treatment and is having his initial assessment.

Seg 1Physiotherapist
English → LOTE

Hi there. I'm your physiotherapist. I understand you've been referred for lower back pain following a workplace injury. Can you tell me what happened?

Seg 2Patient
LOTE → English

கடந்த சில வாரங்களாக மிகவும் சோர்வாக உணர்கிறேன். எட்டு மணி நேரம் தூங்குகிறேன் ஆனால் இன்னும் களைப்பாக எழுகிறேன்.

Seg 3Physiotherapist
English → LOTE

On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate the pain right now? And does it travel down either of your legs?

Seg 4Patient
LOTE → English

நான் குறட்டை விடுவதாகவும், சில நேரங்களில் மூச்சு நிறுத்தம் இருப்பதாகவும் என் மனைவி சொல்கிறாள்.

Seg 5Physiotherapist
English → LOTE

The tingling could indicate nerve involvement. I'm going to do some physical assessments now — I'll ask you to do some movements and I'll check your reflexes. Please tell me if anything causes sharp pain.

Seg 6Patient
LOTE → English

சரி. நான் சொல்ல வேண்டியது — என் வொர்க்கர்ஸ் காம்பென்சேஷன் க்ளெய்ம் அனுமதிக்கப்பட்டது, எனவே சிகிச்சை கவர் ஆகிறது.

Seg 7Physiotherapist
English → LOTE

That's good to know. Based on my initial assessment, I'd recommend twice-weekly sessions for the next six weeks. We'll focus on strengthening your core muscles and improving flexibility.

Seg 8Patient
LOTE → English

சிகிச்சை என்ன?

Seg 9Physiotherapist
English → LOTE

Absolutely. Home exercises are essential for recovery. I'll give you a printed sheet with five simple exercises to do daily. They should only take about fifteen minutes.

Seg 10Patient
LOTE → English

அது சிகிச்சை அளிக்கப்படாவிட்டால் ஆபத்தா?

Seg 11Physiotherapist
English → LOTE

It depends on your role. Light duties might be possible in two to three weeks. I'll prepare a return-to-work plan and communicate with your employer's injury management team.

Seg 12Patient
LOTE → English

இரத்தப் பரிசோதனை மற்றும் தூக்க ஆய்வு இரண்டையும் செய்கிறேன். நன்றி டாக்டர்.

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