ESP in a Saudi Context: Where Does It Stand?

Abstract

English for specific purposes (ESP) gains more status in Saudi Arabia due to the continuing and sustainable growth in the development of various fields for academic and professional purposes. Using English as a means of communication in teaching and learning is one of them. The aim of this study is to critically review the previous research carried out in a Saudi context in the area of teaching and practicing English at specific schools, universities, and colleges for specific or special purposes (ESP) in the last ten years, in order to identify the current developments and to suggest new research directions. The investigation of the research body is based on an examination of the researched topics, with reference to the three research components, i.e., research approaches, research designs, and research methods (Creswell 2014). The results revealed that many research topics were examined, such as students’ attitudes and motivation to learn, needs analysis, program or course development, and the evaluation and teaching of language skills. However, it was unclear how researchers, who were all ESP teachers, related their findings to the ESP context in terms of students’ specific needs. It also showed that the majority of studies carried out were quantitative in nature, and thus, led themselves to utilizing mainly a questionnaire as a research tool. The study concluded with some recommendations and pedagogical implications, which hopefully, will reverberate with other studies for further research.