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Learn English for Specific Purposes

English For Specific purposes

English for Specific purposes, sometimes called English for special Purposes, are programs that teach English for specific types of jobs or industries. People who work with investments need to know different English words than those who work in the medical field. While all of these individuals need to know Basic English, many of the words used in their jobs are specific to their industry and not taught in traditional English as a Second Language courses.






Knowledge from English Speaking Countries Requires English for Special Purposes

English for Specific Purposes (ESP) grew dramatically after WWII. While America grew in technological advances, it also expanded its business enterprises across the oceans. In order to learn the new advances, it required a firm grasp of the English language that traditional English courses did not provide. Probably the biggest drive for ESP occurred when American companies began to operate in oil rich nations. English was the language used to write about the technology, but it was English not normally used by most Americans. It required someone who understood the scientific language and the English language to interpret it.

English for Special Purposes Considers the Usage

English words have various meanings, depending on the context where they’re used. English for special purposes identifies that problem and teaches the appropriate use of the word for a specific occupation or industry. English for Specific Purposes courses narrow down the broad definitions of word usage to those necessary for the industry. By doing this, it cuts the time necessary to learn the language necessary for the job or project at hand. In other words, ESP courses keep the learners needs in mind when developing the course.

Characteristics of English for Specific Purposes Classes

People who learn English for special purposes often don’t focus on the grammar or sentence structure of the language but on the words necessary to their trade and needs. They have a different driving force than someone learning formal English for social occasions. Rather than teach English grammar heavily, many of the English for Specific Purposes classes adjust the teaching methods to fit the different learning strategies and skills of the student, making it learner-centered.

ESP courses also are designed for the adult student and frequently held at profession work situations or at colleges and universities. However, because of the great demand, many of these types of courses are now on the Internet, giving the student more access and flexibility in their studies.

Because many of the courses serve a specific audience or discipline, the course focuses on the language used most frequently in that discipline. ESP courses also center on the skills necessary for the activities of the discipline and the traditional type of discourse used within it. Some of the courses may assume the learner has a basic understanding of English but need technological words specific to their industry or interest. However, some may not and can be for beginners.

Types of Jobs Requiring ESP Courses

International air traffic controllers have a special language that is limited to their occupation. The necessary information for this job requires technical words but not necessarily a broad English vocabulary, so the English for special purposes they learn doesn't require as lengthy a course.






English for occupational and academic purposes can be in business and economics, social studies or science and technology. For example, you might learn English for medical studies and use it for either academic purposes or occupational ones. However, it will always be under the branch of science and technology.


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