On Vocabulary Learning Strategies in ESP: A Students’ Perspective

Abstract

The paper discusses the role of vocabulary learning in English for Specific Purposes. When learning ESP, vocabulary is viewed as a micro-skill that needs to be developed, while in ESP teaching, we may speak of semitechnical vocabulary (Baker 1988) characterized by its association with a specific subject area, which shares characteristics of both technical and core vocabulary. The focus of this paper is to identify the main vocabulary problems faced by students in ESP. The investigation will reveal that the chief problem faced by ESP students is their narrow knowledge of vocabulary, which leads to difficulties in speaking and understanding oral and written messages.