SKILLS OF READING, WRITING AND TRANSLATING IN ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES

Abstract

The proficiency in different language skills isof utmost importance to students at tertiary level. The amount of reading materials to cover and written assignments to complete is overwhelming for any school-leaver who seeks higher education.In studies of English for Specific Purposes (ESP), students face demanding tasks of learning subject-matter through English. The cornerstone of ESP is unfamiliar lexis and subject-matter concepts. In order to succeed, students need to develop proficiency in reading, writing and translating from English into their mother tongue and vice versa.This paper addresses, first, students‘ attitudes to reading, writing and translating and, second, to self-evaluation of proficiency in these skills. The problem of adequate translaton is closely confined to the two skills of reading and writing. The investigation aimed at gathering verbal and written data from the students at university and making informed decisions to ensure effective language learning.