درس
Evolution of ESP
متطلبات الإكمال
This lesson describes the emergence and development of
Language for Specific Purposes (LSP) in general and ESP in particular.
Evolution
ESP or English for Specific Purposes is a flourishing field of study and research in
applied linguistics and Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It has been developing
steadily since the 1960s. The main reasons behind the emergence and development of ESP
and specialized classes are related to the following:
- The demands of a brave new world
- Revolution in linguistics
- New focus on the learner.
Activity: Pair work- Discuss the reasons behind the creation of specialized classes.
What Hutchinson and Waters (1987) stated elaborates the idea of the need for more
specialized classes. They believe that “…, it created a new generation of learners who knew
specifically why they were learning a language…” (p. 6)
With this new perspective in teaching English as Foreign Language, it became
apparent that discourses vary according to the contexts. It was, accordingly, necessary to
reorganize the teaching and learning methodologies and make the specific features of each
situation the basis of the learner’s courses. Thus, the terminology, method, and techniques will vary.
Emergence of ESP
ESP or English for Specific Purposes is a flourishing field of study and research in applied linguistics and Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It has been developing steadily since the 1960s. The main reasons behind the emergence and development of ESP and specialized classes are related to the following:
- The demands of a brave new world
- Revolution in linguistics
- New focus on the learner.
Hutchinson and Waters (1987) stated the idea of the need for more specialized classes. They believe that “…, it created a new generation of learners who knew specifically why they were learning a language…” (p. 6)
With this new perspective in teaching English as Foreign Language, it became apparent that discourses vary according to the contexts. It was, accordingly, necessary to reorganize the teaching and learning methodologies and make the specific features of each situation the basis of the learner’s courses. Thus, the terminology, method, and techniques will vary.
An elaboration of the effect of the Second World War on Teaching English as a Foreign Language and what is meant by the changing world order.
- The outcomes of the second world war.
- Political and social change.
- Economic development.
- The new status of English as a lingua franca.
- Linking war outcomes to the language.
- Linking learning English and fast economic development.
- The increasing need for specialized language courses.
Evolution in ESP is stated through different definitions discussed later. The ESP course has become more learner-centered.
SUMMARY ‘ESP is taught as a tailor-made language package to specific communities of learners with highly specialized language needs’ (Orr, 2002, p. 2)