Innovation in Language Learning
English for Specific Purposes: University Context versus Workplace Context
Hassiba Koriche, Belhadj Bouchaib University Center, Ain Temouchent (Algeria)
Abstract
It is necessary to consider the social function of the language, and make a shift from the language system to language use. Indeed, English language has shifted from being a language used to serve native speakers to an international medium of lingua franca. It has reached large territories beyond the The borders of the UK and US. As English being the lingua franca of business, Business English as a sub-branch of English for Specific Purposes, has attracted increasing interest and awareness with the enormous and unprecedented expansion in economic activities on international scale. Students in the department of Economics and Management at Belhadj Bouchaib University Centre, Ain Temouchent are willing to learn English for Academic Purposes as a priority. In fact, students focus on studies first, the majority use English in this field. They are interested in improving all the language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing for different purposes as participating in conferences, reading documents related to subject matter, and summarizing articles. Conversely, the business community has delivered crucial information about the importance of English and language skills for communicating. In emerging markets, communication skills are among the most necessary skills employees need to develop in order to be productive. These skills are a target for both existing and prospective employees. The ability to clearly write in English is a key, as many forms of business communication from e-mails to presentations and marketing to important business contracts are written in English. The present work is an attempt to shed light on the use of English for Specific Purposes including two stakeholders: the world of education and the workplace.
Keywords: ESP, Workplace, language skills, Business communication, EAP, Lingua franca, labour market.
References:
[1] Abbot, G. (1980). In The university of Malaya English for Specific Purposes, ELT 107(122-124). London. The British Council…
[2] Albatch, P. (2004). Globalization and the university: Myths and realities in an unequal world, Tertiary Education and Management, N°1.
[3] Barbara, L., Celani, M.A.A. , Collins, H.& Scott, M. (1996). Request and status in Business correspondence. Journal of Pragmatics. 28: 635-662.
