Teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) to Saudi Arabian Banking Employees

Abstract

Globalization in the banking industry has demonstrated one of the most significant necessities of today, English for Specific Purposes (ESP)-based curricula. ESP drives contemporary organizations to communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, and competitors across geographical boundaries. Therefore, it is imperative to examine learners’ needs and difficulties while using ESP in practice to achieve this goal effectively. This study aims to examine the skills of bankers learning or using English as a Second Language (ESL) to assist them in meeting their jobs’ needs in the banking sector. An online survey (n = 43) and interview (n= 39) were employed to collect data to understand the aspects vital to the teaching of ESP among banking professionals from Saudi Arabia. About 60% of the sample admitted they needed to improve their English-speaking skills, with more than 80% citing that it is essential for their profession. The interviewees also highlighted English writing skills as being more critical to their needs and desired to enhance their speaking and writing skills. The interviewees further revealed that poor English, difficulty in understanding accents, and insufficient knowledge of banking terminology hindered their communication with customers. The article suggests pedagogical implications and recommendations to support employers in the banking sector, ESP teachers, and curricula designers for improving the current ESP design and delivery in Saudi Arabia.