Definitions of ESP (Click here for details)

Some people described ESP as simply being the teaching of English for any purpose that could be specified. Others, however, were more precise describing it as the teaching of English used in academic studies or the teaching of English for vocational or professional purposes. Anthony (1997, p. 9-10).

 

“ESP is generally used to refer to the teaching of English for a clearly utilitarian purpose.” Mackay and Mountford (1978, p. 2).

Generally, the Students study English “not because they are interested in the English Language or English culture as such, but because they need English for study or work purposes” (Robinson, 1991, p. 2).

In ESP, “language is learnt not for its own sake or for the sake of gaining a general education, but to smooth the path to entry or greater linguistic efficiency in academic, professional or workplace environments” Basturkmen (2006, p. 18).