Journal of English Language Teaching

English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in India: Present Status

T. Sridevi

Associate Professor of English, Nizam Institute of Engineering and Technology, Deshmukhi,

Keywords: English for Specific Purposes, India, Need for ESP in India

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Abstract

English has acquired the global language status as it is spoken as a second language in more than fifty five countries of the world.¹ English is the key to the storehouse of ever-growing knowledge of scientific, technological, commercial, literary, medical fields etc., to the different parts of the world. On account of this, it is made part of the Indian education system to keep pace with the knowledge explosion and contribute to it. English is taught for two different purposes: English General Purposes (EGP), and English for Specific Purposes (ESP). The former is taught for laying a basic foundation in English and the latter intends to develop proficiency in the specific area of study. EGP should be taught till intermediate level, and ESP should be introduced from Undergraduate Level. In contrast, English is taught for general purposes at all levels of education immaterial of the stage it is taught in India without any clear identification of specific objectives, teaching material and methodology of teaching and evaluation. In many foreign countries, there are specific ESP courses which emphasize on the development of professional skills as per the specialization chosen. In this respect, this article covers the present status of English for Specific Purposes in India stressing the need for its large scale adaption in the near future.

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Hutchinson, T., & Waters, A. 1987. English for Specific Purposes: A learning-centered approach. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, p-5.

Ibid, p- 7.

Ibid, p-19.

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