Δημοκρίτειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θράκης Παιδαγωγικό Τμήμα Δημοτικής Εκπαίδευσης Αγγλικά για Ειδικούς Σκοπούς Ακαδημαϊκό έτος 2018-2019

English for specific purpses Γλώσσα για Ειδικούς Σκοπούς ΠΤΔΕ -2017-18 Confusion around the meaning of ESP English for Specific Purposes.  Introduction Meaning of ESP Types of ESP Characteristics of ESP courses The word ‘SPECIAL’ in ESP

Introduction English has become the internationally accepted language of almost all the fields of knowledge. Depending on their specific needs and requirements, new learners who knew specifically why they need English, are created. In some cases, people with inadequate proficiency in English need to be taught to handle specific jobs. To fulfill the needs of these new learners new specific courses were designed and introduced. ESP is one of these specific courses.

Cont’ d… From early 1960’s, ESP has emerged as one of the major areas of EFL teaching today. Various universities across the globe are offering a number of ESP courses nowadays. Examples: English for Chemists, English for Educationists, English for Advertisements, English for Media, etc.

Meaning of ESP ESP means English for specific purposes. ESP is defined in the terms of its absolute and variable characteristics by Tony Dudley Evens. Absolute Characteristics: › Meets specific needs of learners. › Makes use of underlying methodology and activities of the discipline it serves. › Is centered on the language appropriate to these activities in terms of grammar, lexis, syntax, study skills, discourse, and genre.

Meaning Cont’d… Variable Characteristics: May be related to or designed for specific disciplines. May use, in particular situations, different methodologies from general English. Is likely to be designed for adult learners, either at an institute or at a work place. Is generally designed for intermediate and advanced students. Most of the ESP courses assume some basic knowledge of the language systems.

Meaning Cont’d… ESP is an approach to teaching. ESP is an attitude of mind. ESP is concerned with turning learners into users. Hutchinson et al. (1987:19) state, ESP is an approach to language teaching in which all decisions as to content and method are based on the learner’s reason of learning.

Characteristics of ESP courses Carter (1983) discusses three characteristics of ESP courses. Authentic material Study material must be authentic. Purpose-related orientation Orientation lessons must be according to the needs of the learners. Self-direction Learners must have a degree of freedom to decide what, when and how they will study.

The word ‘Special’ in ESP The word SPECIAL refers to: Purpose for which learners learn language; not the nature of language. Restricted repertoire of words and expressions selected from the whole language.

…and to conclude about ESP… ESP-English for specific purposes has emerged as a significant field in Applied Linguistics. It is mostly concerned with the learners’ needs for a specific field of academics or occupation. Restricted skills of words and expressions, purpose of learning the language are the areas to be considered in ESP.

…now the case in our Department… Frequently asked questions and Points of discussion Start date of ESP in the Dept What is the level of Language needed for the course. Are there attendance sheets used? Do we use a book/ Notes ? What do I have to do for the successful completion of the course?

Cont’d What are we taught in ESP? what does a lesson look like in ESP at the Department of Primary school Education? Where do I find input for my learning? How are we graded? what do I have to do during the semester? What are the percentages of successful completion or failure? What do I finally gain?

Thank you for listening… I would like to close with a wish for a very creative year for all of us. Thank you