Abstract.The authors have analyzed the conceptual framework of self-directed learning theory; described some issues of self-directed learning within the field of higher education in the North America and identified some challenges of self-directed English for Specific Purposes (ESP) learning in the Ukrainian Economic University setting; shared some practical information about using it as a pedagogical tool in an ESP (Business English) classroom for advanced learners in the context of Ukrainian Economic University; characterized the ESP course containing a self-directed learning component; showed who is more likely to become an efficient self-directed ESP learner; presented some ideas on the role of the teacher in involving students in self-directed ESP learning; selected several ways to foster an ESP learner autonomy: established a number of economic benefits of self-directed ESP learning.

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This article seeks to develop Translanguaging as a theory and an efficient ESP classroom practice. We consider Translanguaging at linguistic and linguodidactic (spontaneous, or preplanned) levels. Our findings may be of certain practical value for ESP teachers, hesitant about acceptance of Translanguaging for building rapport with students, creating a positive learning environment and aiding their acquisition of target language. We contextualize Translanguaging in the ESP classroom realities of the State University of Economics and Technology (Ukraine), National University of Tashkent, Bukhara State University (Uzbekistan) and Samara State Technical University (the Russian Federation). The study was based upon the online survey of teachers’ attitude towards Translanguaging and their practice of translanguaging in ESP classrooms. In order to obtain reliable information and to explore the topic rigorously we applied a combined-method design, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. The paper provides empirical results on the role of translanguaging in ESP classrooms, the expediency of using the translanguaging strategy in ESP classes and its "legitimization" in the methodology of teaching, the extent of using Translanguaging by university teachers and students, evaluations of Translanguaging shortcomings and benefits. Studies have shown that translanguaging is both an efficient learning tool and a useful teaching method if pedagogical activities are designed thoroughly.

The present-day fast-developing knowledge society calls for an interdisciplinary approach to studying a foreign language in non-linguistic Universities. To meet contemporary requirements, teaching a foreign language for specific domains demands a new syllabus approach meant to enhance students' motivation to study and improve both language level and business communication skills. The paper covers some issues of interdisciplinary approach, defines the fundamental principles of its implementation and dwells upon actual program samples for using interdisciplinary links of ESP and profile disciplines in different fields of higher education.

The article researches the authentic conflict incidents of intercultural communication as a basis for designing specialized Case studies. The authors emphasize the significance of Case method as a new strategy for influencing students' mindset, ensuring their preparedness to get out of difficult conflict situations of intercultural communication. A set of issues necessary for purposeful analysis is listed. The spectrum of spheres of intercultural interaction characterized by great potential of conflict arising and complexity for dialogue is determined. The explication of functions, components, characteristics of Cases on intercultural communication competence is given, confirmed with examples of small-format Cases.