ESP Course 1 origin of english for specific.pptx

origin of esp

1. Lecturer: Seyyed Hossein Kashef [email protected] Islamic Azad University, Urmia Branch In the Name of the God Course : ESP Book: ESP by Hutchinson & Waters, 1987 Topic of Session 2: Origin of ESP 1

2. Outline of the Lesson: What is ESP Definition of ESP by well-known scholars Origin of ESP The main reasons of ESP ‘ s development 2

3. Definition of ESP What is ESP: an activity including education, training and practice which utilizes three main fields of knowledge: language, pedagogy and the students’ subject matters (Robinson, 1991). Hutchinson and Waters (1987) theorized that "ESP is an approach to language teaching in which all decisions as to content and method are based on the learner's reason for learning" (p. 19). Unlike General English language teaching which aims to move from a certain point toward an often very indeterminate target, English for Specific Purposes (ESP) intends to accelerate learners to a known destination. It is believed that ESP is a necessarily practical attempt since the emphasis in ESP is on reaching to a certain destination in the most time- and energy-efficient form. Generally, ESP has acted as an approach to assist language learners deal with language features or to improve the abilities required to perform in a certain field, profession, or workplace ( Basturkmen , 2006) 3

4. Origin of ESP What is the origin of ESP? As stated by Hutchinson and Waters (1987), ESP was not a planned and well-thought movement in contrast to the majority of human activities. It developed as an event out of a variety of overlapping transitions. Although these transitions have functioned in different manners worldwide, the origin of all ESP can be organized into three main reasons.” (p. 6-8). 4

5. Origin of ESP Three Main Reasons: The Demands of a Brave New World Revolution in Linguistics Focus on the Learner 5

6. Origin of ESP The Demands of a Brave New World: two main historical events led to the development of ESP: First, a great international development in scientific, technical and economic aspects set out a new era after the Second World War in 1945. As a result, English turned into the world’s international language for a number of reasons, mainly due to the United States economic power. Thus, a great number of people started to demand to learn English because English held a crucial role in international flows of technology and trade. Second, this evolution coincided with the Oil Crises in early 1970s leading to an enormous flow of funds into oil-rich countries. Limitations in time and money caused an urgent demand for economical courses having specified objectives. Therefore, English teaching profession went through a critical pressure to deliver the needed products. 6

7. Origin of ESP Revolution in Linguistics: novel and innovative theories of language set out to appear as the need for specific English courses was rising. While traditional linguistics aimed to study grammar and language usage, the new ideas focused on the use of language in real life, thereby different varieties of language were taken into account in relation to particular contexts. As a result, these new ideas combined with the development of English courses tailored for specific needs of learners which highlighted a particular situation and context based on learners’ needs. In conclusion, the cornerstone of ESP had become teaching language to a specific group of learners based on their particular area of work or study. 7

8. Origin of ESP Focus on the Learner: The third key factor which contributed to the emergence of ESP comes from the developments in educational psychology. A fundamental attention began to be given to learners’ needs, interests and their attitudes to learning which would influence their motivation to learn and as a result affect their learning outcomes. The focus on learner supported the significance of courses designed to meet the learners’ relevant needs and interests. It was assumed that the relevance of English courses to the learners’ needs would improve their motivation leading to efficient learning. 8

9. 9 “We travel to learn.” Maria Mitchell, American astronomer (1818-1889) Thanks for your attendance