Changing visions in ESP development and teaching: Past, present, and future vistas

Abstract

Globalization and international development in language education have inspired a shift from the learning of traditional College English to English for Specific Purposes (ESP). This article begins with a section on the methodology used to develop the literature review. From various literatures, a historical perspective was first presented for the period, 1962 to the present day, and accompanied by a review on the teaching approaches. The purpose was to reveal emerging trends in ESP development and forefront the strength of association between ESP development and the changes in teaching approaches. Then it focuses on the relationship between needs analysis and ESP, as needs analysis is well recognized as a vital ESP characteristic and it is given a comprehensive revisit as an update in ESP development. The review continues with some insights into recent studies from various countries to reflect on various aspectual developments of current ESP practices that illustrate the dynamics of growing research agendas that have implications for current and future ESP research directions. Finally, future vistas for ESP development and teaching are affirmed. The paper concludes on the note on the importance of knowing past and future ESP developments, and the prioritizing of effective teaching based on soundly designed materials tailored to particular student-centered needs and wants.

The Multidimensional Role of the English for Specific Purposes Practitioner in Today’s Changing Societies: Voices From Around the Globe

“…These results confirm how difficult the variety of disciplines makes ESP practitioners' profession (Katsarska 2017). The table also proves that ESP has developed through the years, with more ESP disciplines being created, as science and technology are progressing (Dou, Chan, and Win 2023).…”

“…The development of ESP through the years has been affected by the socioeconomic, technological and even political developments, and it is reflected in the publications that have been released during the course of time. A review of the literature in ESP by Dou, Chan, and Win (2023), following a semi-systematic approach, provides a historical account of the field from the early 1960s to the present. After the necessity of learning to speak English in a "new commerce-driven world" was realized, efforts to equip non-native speakers of English with the skills needed to communicate for professional purposes commenced (Dou, Chan, and Win 2023, p.02).…”

Collaboration Synergies: Leveraging Industry Partnerships for Enhanced ESP Education

“…However, with the acceleration of globalization and increased international interactions, various industries and academic fields began to demand higher proficiency in specialized English skills. [1] A key factor in this transformation was the increasing demand for expertise in English for specific purposes. In professional fields such as business, medicine, and law, the use of English differs significantly from general English.…”

Intercultural Communication in ESP Education

“…By integrating practices of intercultural communication, ESP education not only improves learners' language skills but also enhances their competitiveness in global professional and academic environments. [2]…”