Teaching English for specific purposes

Abstract

Few would dispute the need for students of scientific disciplines to learn English. The teaching of English to scientists whose first language is not English is essentially utilitarian. The learners need English as a means of doing their work efficiently and of furthering their specialist education, and the language is not taught with a general educational aim in mind, as a cultural or social experience. As suggested by its name, English for specific purposes (ESP) covers both the common nucleus—the basic categories and patterns of communication and structure of the English language—and variations relevant to the specific use. Furthermore, the variety of uses to which English is put in different countries and the different degrees of proficiency required make it essential to consider each group of users in each country separately. © 1979, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.