[ESP]- English for Specific Purposes

Roginette F. Eusala

ESPTeaching of a specific genre of mostly technical English for students with specific goals, careers or field of study.People study English for Specific Purposes so they can:

•perform better in globalized economy•progress in an English-speaking company•talk and manage international teams•succeed in complex, multilingual environments

Examples include:English for Academic purposes English for business & Management, or hotel & Catering English

ESP vs. EGP

English is not taught as a separate subject, instead its integrated into the subject matter area important to the learner.

Language is taught in context, grammar and language structure are not stressed.

ESP vs. General English

Differences between ESP and GE (Dudley-Evans): - meet specific needs - it serves a particular discipline -intermediate/advanced level ( authentic materials are easily feasible)

Major Differences? Not Really

Learner’s purpose for Learning

Subjects may vary: health accounting, computer, science, tourism, business management, armed forces etc.ESL All four language skillsESP Skills taught according to the needs

of the studentsE.g. Spoken Skills for students studying tourism

ESP combines subject matter and English language teaching

Application of new learning in academic/professional field

New learning is meaningful therefore acquired more easily

MOTIVATION

Students will acquire English while working with material relevant to their educational or professional studies or pursuits.

Learners studying in English context tend to be more successful

Focusing on linguistic input or isolated language structures may decrease motivation to learn the target language.

Language is presented in

Adults have to work harder than children in order to lean new language, but the learning skills they bring to the task permit them to learn faster and more efficiently

In the past, ESP courses were designed by intermediate or advanced adult learners.

Nowadays, many students learn vocational English at an earlier age and at a lower level of proficiency.

Teaching ESP Common Fear s

When do I start? (Whatever English should my students be at?)

What do I teach?(I’m not familiar with the subjects)

How do I teach? Where do I find materials?

When do I start?

in any ESP courses the students should be atleast level A1, if not higher depending on the purpose of leaning i.e. academic vocational purpose.

What do I Teach?It is a good idea to choose a subject area of interest to you

•Preparation is important•Get a subject dictionary•Research the subject in any way you can, e.g. visit the library, use the internet etc.•Read the Teacher's book

How do I teach?Where do I find materials?

Choice AUse an ESP coursebook

Choice BDesign your own material

GE Teacher facing ESP

- No training for ESP teaching frustration, a feeling of inadequacy - Possessing the knowledge to generate communication with ESP learners - Becoming consultants, negotiators with students additional roles

Why do teachers struggle with ESP?

- No need to learn specialist subject area - Need to understand basic principles, have a positive attitude towards ESP content - Need to “become interested students of a subject matter” - Need to use particular jargon, use more generalized set of academic skills, know everyday small talk (general communication skills)

a common fund of knowledge

Roles of an ESP Teacher

Teaching ESP

Teaching ESP

Use authentic material

Make the task as authentic as possible

Motivate the students with variety

relevance and fun

Take the classroom in the real world and bring the real world

in the classroom

Main Branches of ESP

ESP

EOP

EAPEnglish for Academic Purposes

English for Occupational Purposes

Example