Challenges in ESP Vocabulary Acquisition: A Study of Vietnamese Non-English Majors

Abstract

This study investigates the challenges encountered by Vietnamese non-English major university students in their pursuit of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) vocabulary proficiency. Employing a survey-based research methodology, the study collects data from a representative sample of students, with a primary focus on identifying the key difficulties experienced during ESP vocabulary acquisition. The findings reveal significant obstacles in the process, including limited exposure to ESP terminology, difficulties in comprehending and retaining specialized terms, as well as a lack of practical application opportunities. These results emphasize the critical need for tailored teaching strategies and resources to enhance ESP vocabulary learning for non-English majors. Furthermore, the implications of this study extend to language teaching practices, highlighting the necessity for curriculum adjustments that better align with the specific requirements of these learners within the Vietnamese educational context.