English For Specific Purposes: A Tailored Approach To Language Learning

18th December 2023

English is one of the popular languages which is widely spoken in most of the country. The demand for the English language is growing rapidly in every industry and it becomes a basic requirement for any individual to be proficient in speaking and learning English to bag any job in any organization or for students who want to communicate effectively in educational institutions.

According to verifiedmarketresearch.com, we can witness that the English language learning market is a growing market and is expected to become a $70.72 Billion market in 2030.
 

Source: verifiedmarketresearch.com

The demand for learning has increased significantly especially in non-native English-speaking countries which also opens the gate to plenty of opportunities for TEFL /TESOL teachers to teach English for Specific Purposes (ESP). This approach focuses on teaching English language skills that are directly applicable to a particular field and industry.

This approach focuses on providing language skills that are directly applicable to specific fields or industries.

In this blog post, we will be exploring the concept of ESP and how to teach ESP efficiently according to different industries in detail.

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What is English for Specific Purposes?

English for Specific Purposes simply means teaching and learning English language skills that are being developed particularly for academic or for various professional contexts. ESP method of teaching aims to help individuals improve their English proficiency so they can communicate effectively in their chosen education field or in any professional industry. ESP generally falls into two categories: those in higher education who need to use English for studying a specific subject, and professionals who require English for their work.

It is important to note that ESP should not be confused with ESL (English as a Second Language). While ESL focuses on general English language proficiency for non-native speakers in English-speaking countries, ESP concentrates on providing language skills relevant to a specific subject area or industry. This distinction is reflected in the content and teaching methods employed in ESP courses.

How to Teach English for Specific Purposes Effectively?

Teaching ESP involves designing and delivering course material tailored to the specific needs of learners in particular specialized fields or professions. In ESP lessons, there is a primary emphasis on the vocabulary and language of these areas, rather than on grammar and language structures alone.

General English learning integrated into specific subjects helps students in applying what they learn in their English classes to their main area of profession or education. This helps to reinforce the concept being taught and serves as a motivator for students to improve their language skills further.

To teach ESP effectively, it is crucial to establish the objectives of the students. This can be done through initial consultations and needs analysis that identify the most important language skills for students within their specific subjects. The designs of the lessons could have been based on communication skills or specific vocabulary depending on what they needed. Continuous feedback from learners may be precious in refining these lessons with time to make your course more effective.

English for Specific Purposes in Different Industry

ESP encompasses a wide range of specialized English courses to cater to the diverse needs of learners in various industries. Below we shared how English usage varies in different industries and how you can conduct courses of your chosen industry successfully:

English for Aviation Industry

English for the Aviation industry is a specialized form of the English language that is used in the aviation industry which enables every member like pilots, cabin crew members, traffic controllers, and ground staff to communicate with each other effectively.

English acts as a standardized language which ensures effective understanding and co-operation regardless of the participants' native languages.

Before you start conducting English for the aviation industry you must update your knowledge skills by teaching specific aviation terminology, standard phraseology, communication techniques, and language skills necessary for effective communication in aviation environments.

English for Bankers Industry

English for banking is meant specifically for those professionals who are working in banks. Before conducting English for the Banking industry, you must upgrade your knowledge skill encompassing terminologies related to finance, customer service language, and communication skills which is being used in the banking industry only. Ultimately, this will improve interactions between bank staff, customers, and other stakeholders.

English for Hospitality Industry

English for hospitality caters to professionals in the hospitality industry such as hotel staff and restaurant employees. Topics you should cover in this course include customer service language, hotel industry terminology, and communication skills specific to the hospitality sector. The goal of these courses should be to improve communication between hotel staff with their guests or customers.

English for Medicine Industry

English for medicine focuses on communication between healthcare professionals and patients. It is essential for doctors, nurses, and other medical staff planning to work in English-speaking countries. Non-native speakers attending medical school can also benefit from English for medicine classes.

Topics you should cover includes medical terminology, patient communication skills, and language used in medical documentation. They are often offered as part of English language courses or specialized training programs for healthcare professionals.

English for Legal Industry

Legal English, also known as English for legal purposes or legal language, is a specialized form of English used in the legal field for communication among legal professionals. Legal English is used internationally to ensure effective communication among parties involved in legal proceedings.

Topics you should cover in this course are legal terminology, drafting legal documents, and communication skills specific to the legal industry.

English for Tourism Industry

English for the tourism industry is designed for travel agents, tour guides, hotel staff, and individuals planning to work or travel abroad. Topics you should cover in courses includes customer service language and tourism industry terminology. The aim is to help learners to enhance communication skills in the context of the tourism industry.

Other Notable Mentions

Business English and English for Academic Purposes are also considered forms of ESP. However, these fields are extensive enough to be recognized under their own categories and TEFL acronyms.

Help Learners To Excel In Their Chosen Profession

English has become one of the essential languages in every industry even in the education industry. The demand for capable TEFL teachers for teaching English for specific purposes (ESP) has been increasing day by day. Those teachers who have pursued courses like TEFL in-class certification course in India, have an abundance of opportunities in front of them to teach ESP around any corner of the world.

So don’t wait any longer, make the most of this opportunity. Choose your preferred industry, gain specialized knowledge related to your chosen industry, and start your ESP teaching career today.

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