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English for specific purposes (ESP) is defined as the teaching or learning of the English language to people already in employment, with reference to the particular vocabulary and skills they need. (Wikipedia) Since WW II English has become the ‘lingua franca’, the internationally accepted language in almost all fields of knowledge. This is due in part to the 'world becoming flat', that is business and trade expanding globally thanks to improvements in technology, telecommunication, and air travel. In many countries now, English language learning is mandatory starting in primary school. In fact some kindergartens in Malaysia have started to teach English compulsorily. Despite this global trend, English for Specific Purposes was developed out of the need to provide specific courses for students who needed to learn English as a means to an end rather than for the sake of learning English itself. In ESP a Needs Analysis determines which language skills are needed by the students, and the syllabus is designed accordingly. ESP courses focus on English language specific to a particular occupation or profession such as English for medical professionals, business, waiters, tourism, aviation, etc. Commercial flying, for example, is universally conducted in English. In contrast to a ‘general’ English course, ESP classes are centered on the student’s goals and orientation and lessons teach language specific to the underlying methodologies and activities of the particular occupation. (Tony Dudley Evens) Carter (1983) discusses three major characteristics of ESP courses: 1. Materials used should be authentic 2. Students are expected to be self-directed and be given the freedom to choose what, when and how they will study. 3. Content must be purpose-driven and lessons must be planned according to the needs of the learners. Most ESP courses assume some basic knowledge of the language system and are usually designed for adult learners at a tertiary education level or in a professional work situation. Since students are normally at an intermediate or advanced proficiency level in English, the lesson content is heavily student-centered with an emphasis on fluency and using language correctly in context. In ESP a Needs Analysis determines which language skills are most needed by the student, and the syllabus is designed accordingly. ESP course design would be heavily focused on activation with these possible activities: - Hear TED talks, industry-specific podcasts, conference presentations, etc. - Speak Role-plays, make presentations, create and deliver a TED talk or PowerPoint presentation, repetition for pronunciation and pitch, etc. - Read Authentic materials should be used, for example industry periodicals, research papers, etc. In addition, English for Specific Purposes World is an international online journal containing papers concerning English for Specific Purposes (ESP). - Write Report writing, PowerPoint presentations, Gap-Fill exercises to add correct vocabulary to sentence structures, use of visuals (technical diagrams, etc.) where the student ‘names’ parts, etc. The guiding principle of ESP is “Tell me what you need English for and I will tell you what English you need.” Hutchinson, Tom & Waters, Alan (1987) ESP is one of the fastest-growing subsets of TEFL for good reason. I work in the Customer Service/ Contact Centre industry in Toronto, one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world. More than 50% of Toronto residents were born outside of Canada, and many of these immigrants do not have English as their L1. Add to this the differences between British and American English- Canada’s English is a mix of both!- and the challenge is to train staff to use the correct term, for example mobile/ smartphone/ cell phone. When it comes to providing good customer service, for example in retail or over the telephone, the use of correct terminology and pronunciation can have a huge effect on the profitability and overall success of the business. Increased English language proficiency also reduces stress and the subsequent health-care costs associated with this symptom. I can't wait to start teaching ESP!
