English For Specific Purposes

Sujitra Pathumlungkar Supervisory Unit

Types of ESP

English as a restricted language: English for waiters, English for air controller English for Academic and Occupational Purposes (EAP, EOP) English with specific topics David Carter(1983)

Absolute Characteristic of ESP

desinged to meet specific needs of the learner; related in content (i.e. in themes and topics) to particular disciplines,occupations and activities; serves; centred on language appropriate to those activities in syntax, lexis, register, discourse and genres etc. and analysis of didcourse; In contrast with General English. Dudley-Evans (1997)

Variable Characteristics

related to or designed for specific disciplines; use in specific teaching situations, a different methodology from that of general English; designed for adult learners, secondary school level or professional work situation; Generally designed for intermediate or advance students; Assume some basic knowledge of language system, but it can be used with beginners.

Features Common to ESP courses

Authentic material; Purpose-related orientation simulation of communicative tasks; Self-direction learners must have certain degree of freedom to decide what, when, and how they study, teaching them about learning strategies.

Key Issues in ESP Curriculum Design

Abilities required for communication; Content language acquisition versus general language acquisition; Material development

Abilities Required for Communication in Occupational Setting

To use the particular jargon characteristic; To use a more generalised set of academic skills, i.e. responding to memoranda, conducting research, To use the language of everyday informal talk to communicate effectively

Content Language Acquisition versus General Language Acquisition

Content knowledge General and Academic Language Skills

ESL instructor Content instructor Jointly facilitated

Team-taught activities

8 hours of Integrated Language Learning (ESL instructor) 6 hours Food Preservation Lectures (content instructor) 4 hours of Workplace Communication (jointly facilitated) 3 hours of Home Economics terminology (content instructor) 2 hours of Package Design (arts instructor) 2 hours of Applied Computer Skills (ESL instructor)

Material Development

ESP is an approach and not a subject to be taught, curricular materials will unavoidably be pieced together. Authentic materials ESP / ESL materials Teacher-generated materials