Language for Specific Purposes in academia vs. Labor Market Needs: the Trends and Perspectives in Montenegro

Abstract

The present paper outlines the key findings of a study that was carried out in Montenegro with the aim of getting an overview of the current state of play in language for specific purposes teaching and the actual needs from the perspective of students, university staff members (both academic and nonacademic) and employers. To this end, an online survey was designed and distributed among the target groups with an overall total of 1,985 participants. Furthermore, an online English placement test was conducted among the first year students at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Montenegro with an overall number of 853 respondents, in order to compare the language proficiency entrance levels to the curriculum expectations. The results suggest the high level of need for LSP proficiency, both for academic and occupational purposes, the general dissatisfaction with the English language proficiency level of the prospective employees that apply for job posts, the need to master an additional foreign language apart from English and the need to enhance the policy of LSP teaching at HEIs in Montenegro, which are seen by employers as a key partner in terms of quality control and assurance in language teaching. The paper concludes with recommendations for LSP teaching and planning at HEIs in Montenegro.