ENGLISH FOR

SPECIAL PURPOSES
An Introduction
INTRODUCTION
◦ English has become the internationally accepted language of almost all
the fields of knowledge.
◦ Depending on their specific needs and requirements, new learners who
knew specifically why they need English are created.
◦ In some cases people with inadequate proficiency in English need to be
taught to handle specific jobs.
◦ To fulfill the needs of these new learners new specific courses were
designed and introduced.
◦ ESP is one of these specific courses.
 DEFINITION OF ESP
◦ English for Specific Purposes is a term that refers to teaching or
studying English for a particular career or for business in general.
English for specific purposes (ESP), not to be confused with
specialized English, is a sphere of teaching English language
including Business English, Technical English, Scientific English,
English for medical professionals, English for waiters, English for
tourism, English for Art Purposes, etc.
 GE VS. ESP (PURPOSES)
GE
• GE focuses on language itself.
• GE develops several levels of
language learners competence. In
GE, all 4 language skills are stressed
ESP
• ESP focuses on “language in
context”.
• ESP aims at setting a “professional
skill” in typical job- related
situations as well as evaluation and
assessment procedure in a certain job
function.
GE VS. ESP (CONTENT)
GE ESP

• In GE, learners are exposed to • ESP combines subject matter and

linguistic items relating to universal English language teaching.
topics.
• ESP acquaints learners with the
• GE stresses on English applications language needed in a particular
in general situations. domain, vocation and occupation.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF ESP
ABSOLUTE CHARACTERISTICS
1. Designed to meet the specific needs of the learner;
2. Related in content to particular disciplines or occupations;
3. Centred on language specific to those disciplines or occupations;
4. In contrast to General English
VARIABLE CHARACTERISTICS
1. Be restricted in the skills to be learned;
2. Not be taught according to a particular methodology. (Strevens 1988)
HISTORY OF ESP
◦ Since 1960s, ESP has become a vital and innovative activity within the TEFL
or TESL.
◦ In early years, ESP was dominated by EAP (English for Academic Purposes)
and EOP plays an important but small role.
◦ In recent years, international business has a huge growth (EBP).ESP activity
used to be closely associated with projects led and staffed by expatriate British,
North American, Kuwait and Saudi Arabic.
◦ Local teachers play relatively small roles in such projects.
STAGES OF ESP DEVELOPMENT
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE TEACHING
AND LEARNING OF ESP
◦  Why does student need to learn?
◦ Who is going to be involved in the process? This will need to cover not just the student, but all the
people who may have some effect on the process; teachers, sponsors, inspectors, etc.
◦ Where is the learning to take place? What potential does the place provide? What limitations does it
impose?
◦ When is the learning take place? How much time is available? How it will be distributed
◦  What does the student need to learn? What aspect of language will be needed and how they will be
described? What level of proficiency must be achieved? What topic areas will need to be covered?
◦ How the learning will be achieved? What learning theory with underlie the course? What kind of
methodology will be employed?