Engineering Discourse in the Structure of the ESP Training at Southern Federal University

Abstract

This paper discusses the essentials of engineering discourse in the structure of the ESP training at Southern Federal University (SFU) (Taganrog, Russia). The purpose of this paper is to justify critical rethinking of existing programs of technical students training in foreign languages at SFU taking into account the increasing role of engineering discourse in the professional socialization of future engineers and to enable them to integrate into the international professional community. The undertaken analysis strives to find the way to change the teaching practice of ESP. There are two levels of foreign language acquisition at SFU. At the first level students study any foreign language in a context of the general language. And at the second level they get conceptual knowledge to acquire scientific and professional terminology of any foreign language in order to become a professional language personality. To support these objectives a series of text books on ESP courses (Computer Engineering, Radio Engineering, Electronic Engineering etc.) have been developed at the foreign languages department SFU. The textbook "Computer Engineering" has been considered in details in this article. The authors have suggested directions in which the discourses of engineering education and practice need to change so that the engineering profession can achieve the goals stated in its professional codes.