English For General Purposes Research Articles

Translanguaging approaches and perceptions of Iranian EGP teachers in bi/multilingual educational spaces: a qualitative inquiry

PurposeThis study aims to analyze translanguaging practices and beliefs of Iranian English for General Purposes (EGP) teachers and find discrepancies between the practice and perception of educators in bi/multilingual species in Iranian educational settings.Design/methodology/approachThe study involved interviewing ten teachers and observing six of their sessions, which yielded qualitative data.FindingsThe results showed that the participating teachers produced recurring themes such as the significance and limitations of translanguaging, techniques for training multilingual learners and the restrictions imposed by policies that discourage the use of L1 in language institutes in Iran. A noteworthy observation made in this investigation was that educators who possessed competency in three or more languages exhibited greater endorsement of translanguaging in both their perceptions and practices.Practical implicationsThis study has significant implications for instructors, teacher trainers and policymakers operating within multilingual environments. It serves as a pioneering study that invites a productive synergy between Western and Asian researchers in exploring bi/multilingual spaces within Asian educational contexts.Originality/valueThis study brings a fresh perspective to the current body of research on teacher agency in bi/multilingual educational settings. By utilizing qualitative methods, it offers unique and original insights. Particularly noteworthy is the discovery that educators who are proficient in three or more languages are more inclined to support translanguaging. This observation adds a distinctive understanding of translanguaging in language education. It opens up new possibilities for exploring the application and efficacy of the translanguaging approach in Asian bi/multilingual spaces in education.

Reconsidering the Distinction between English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and English for General Purposes (EGP) - Towards a Unified Perspective

This article critically examines the distinction between English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and English for General Purposes (EGP) within language teaching contexts. It argues that the traditional dichotomy between ESP and EGP is inadequate and proposes a unified perspective. The rationale behind this argument is that all English language teaching experiences involve specificity, as learners’ language needs are influenced by their particular goals, domains, and contexts. The article challenges the prevailing assumptions and highlights the limitations of the ESP vs. EGP dichotomy. The key findings reveal that the boundaries between ESP and EGP are blurred and that considering all English language teaching as ESP provides a more comprehensive and inclusive approach. This reevaluation has significant implications for language pedagogy, curriculum design, and teacher training, urging a shift in perspective toward recognizing the specific nature of all language learning and teaching contexts.

A decision support method for designing the blended teaching effectiveness evaluation of English courses in universities based on interval-valued neutrosophic information

The goal of internationalization, the actual needs of the new generation of college students, and the innovation of information technology have led to a shift from teaching English for general purposes (EGP) to teaching English courses. The blended teaching effectiveness evaluation of English courses in universities in an output-oriented perspective is viewed as the multiple attribute decision making (MADM). In this paper, Taxonomy method is designed for MADM under interval neutrosophic sets (INSs). Then, the interval neutrosophic numbers Taxonomy (INN-Taxonomy) method is formed to cope with MADM problem. Finally, a numerical decision example for blended teaching effectiveness evaluation of English courses in universities in an output-oriented perspective is given to demonstrate the INN-Taxonomy method.

Investigating teacher talk in EAP and EGP classes: In pursuit of communicative features

PurposeThis study aims to explore the communicative features of teacher talk in English for General Purposes (EGP) vs. English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classes in Iranian contexts based on the Self-Evaluation Teacher Talk (SETT) framework.Design/methodology/approachFor the purposes of this study, EAP and EGP classes run by three language instructors and three content instructors were observed and interviews with teacher participants were conducted. The data were analyzed by content analysis, and emerging overarching themes were recorded.FindingsThe findings of this study indicate that the translation of texts into Persian was the dominant theme in classes run by content instructors who were less aware of the communicative features of teacher talk. However, one of the content instructors who was familiar with the communicative features of teacher talk as well as general language instructors were found to be highly aware of the potential of their teacher talk to encourage communication in his classes. The innovative and communicative features in the language/content instructor suggest the importance of teacher agency in bringing change in education at the micro-level. This study has implications for various agencies involved in teaching EAP, EGAP and English for Specific Purposes (ESAP), raising awareness regarding the communicative features of teacher talk as a driving force leading learners and teachers to more communicative opportunities in language classrooms. The findings suggest that teacher talk is an essential component of classroom discourse, shaping students' linguistic and academic development, and that teacher agency is crucial in promoting communicative opportunities in language education. To boost communication, the authors recommend translanguaging with a focus on both communication and optimal use of the mother tongue in EAP classes.Originality/valueThere is little empirical evidence on the communicative aspects of teacher talk in higher education. This study can inspire more parallel research on EAP settings in higher education with a focus on communication and teacher talk features.

A Qualitative Study on Examining the Features of Optimal Nurse-Patient Role-Playing Video

This project analyzed six videos from the "National Nursing English Music Videos (MVs) Competition in Taiwan" to identify key characteristics of optimal nurse-patient role-play videos. Nursing English teachers emphasized factors like vividness, linguistic fluency, humor, teaching tools, N-P interaction, dramatic effect, gender balance, and empathy. Nursing experts identified additional factors including physical assessment, nursing diagnosis, nursing procedures, nursing plan, and nursing evaluation as crucial. The study aimed to serve as a reference for nursing students creating professional nursing English videos, provide guidance for nursing English teachers supporting video production, and offer insights for nursing English for General Purposes (EGP) teachers enhancing teaching materials, particularly in terms of authenticity.

English Lecturers' Difficulties in Teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in Various Higher Education in Indonesia

<p>This research investigates the English lecturers’ difficulties in teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in higher education. This research is descriptive qualitative. There are 58 English lecturers from various higher education involved in this research. The analysis shows that the most dominant English lecturers teach ESP in the 2nd semester. Besides, in the 1st, and 3rd semesters. English skills taught by English lecturers in ESP courses are speaking, writing, reading, speaking, vocabulary, and translation. Speaking skills is the difficult English skill taught by them in the ESP course. The most dominant English lecturers have been teaching ESP for more than 5 years. They state that teaching ESP requires more challenges than teaching EGP (English for General Purposes). In the implementation of teaching ESP, they face several difficulties including) 1) making syllabi and lesson plans. 2) making ESP course materials according to student needs. 3) selecting and using learning methods. 4) getting ESP textbooks related to student needs. 5) making/creating ESP textbooks related to student needs. 6) difference in students' English proficiency levels. 7) difference in the level of student's motivation to learn English. 8) different levels of students' awareness of the importance of ESP. 9) the institution’s policy related to the ESP course curriculum has not been clearly stated. 10) institutional policies related to facility policies are not adequate. 11) the number of lectures/credits, and the number of semesters in the ESP course are not as expected. 12) compensation (income) in teaching ESP courses is not expected.</p>

EFL University Learners as Researchers: Teaching Process Advantages

The paper focuses on presuming teaching process advantages of university learners’ research in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) training, comprising, in the author’s situation, English for General Purposes (EGP) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP), based on existing data. Research concept is defined and its characteristics are outlined in terms of student research relevance. Examples of EFL university student research tasks are provided. Students’ research benefits are considered mainly with respect to language awareness (LA) and learner autonomy (LrA) enhancement. Conclusion treats the expected connectedness between EFL learner research and learners’ communicative competence improvement.

A GENERAL VIEW ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ESP AND EGP

The present study is an attempt to inquire succinctly into the relationship between English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and English for General Purposes (EGP). In particular, the general purposes as well as their distinctive features are elaborated upon and examined. The points of contrast leading to the emphatic separation of these two language varieties sometimes occur because of inadequate descriptions or definitions. The aim of this paper is to draw a parallel between ESP and EGP in order to present their common and specific characteristics.

A Corpus-Based Word Classification Method for Detecting Difficulty Level of English Proficiency Tests

Many education systems globally adopt an English proficiency test (EPT) as an effective mechanism to evaluate English as a Foreign Language (EFL) speakers’ comprehension levels. Similarly, Taiwan’s military academy also developed the Military Online English Proficiency Test (MOEPT) to assess EFL cadets’ English comprehension levels. However, the difficulty level of MOEPT has not been detected to help facilitate future updates of its test banks and improve EFL pedagogy and learning. Moreover, it is almost impossible to carry out any investigation effectively using previous corpus-based approaches. Hence, based on the lexical threshold theory, this research adopts a corpus-based approach to detect the difficulty level of MOEPT. The function word list and Taiwan College Entrance Examination Center (TCEEC) word list (which includes Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR) A2 and B1 level word lists) are adopted as the word classification criteria to classify the lexical items. The results show that the difficulty level of MOEPT is mainly the English for General Purposes (EGP) type of CEFR A2 level (lexical coverage = 74.46%). The findings presented in this paper offer implications for the academy management or faculty to regulate the difficulty and contents of MOEPT in the future, to effectively develop suitable EFL curriculums and learning materials, and to conduct remedial teaching for cadets who cannot pass MOEPT. By doing so, it is expected the overall English comprehension level of EFL cadets is expected to improve.

FROM GENERAL TO PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH – CURRICULUM, STUDENTS, TRAINERS

The present study is an attempt to offer a bird’s eye view into the relationship between professional English, meaning English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and English for General Purposes (EGP) or 6General English (GE), stressing the difficulties that may appear on the road. There are opinion discrepancies regarding the differences that exist/do not exist between Business English teaching and General English teaching. Therefore, the general purposes and distinctive features are examined to draw a parallel between ESP and EGP to present their common and specific characteristics.

Exploring English for medical purposes (EMP) teacher cognition in the Chinese context.

It has been a growing trend in Chinese universities to shift from English for general purposes (EGP) to English for specific purposes (ESP) teaching. Against this background, large groups of teachers previously engaged in teaching EGP have become or are becoming ESP teachers, which means a complex process of learning for subject-specific information, transforming teaching practices and constructing new identities. Despite this, very little has been written about the ESP teacher cognition (TC) of language teaching or the factors influencing this shift in teaching. This study involved English for Medical Purposes (EMP) teachers in Chinese universities as participants, and a scale of EMP TC with 31 items was developed on the basis of questionnaire results. Data from exploratory factor analysis revealed six dimensions of the scale, namely, teacher attitude, teacher belief, teacher learning, teacher support, role identification, and teacher practice—that combine to constitute and influence EMP TC. While the identity factor has attracted wide attention in ESP teacher research, other factors have largely been neglected. Thus, this research highlights the importance of more factors in shaping and changing the language teaching cognition of EMP or ESP teachers in large, especially the teacher belief factor. In addition, results of independent samples t-tests indicated significant difference in EMP teacher learning in terms of gender, differences in EMP teacher attitude and teacher support in terms of EMP teaching experience. Suggestions for enhancing EMP TC are offered on the basis of the conclusions of this research.

PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS IN ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES AND ENGLISH FOR GENERAL PURPOSES: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Features of phraseologisms in the Language for Special Purposes and their role as markers for the professional subculture of the aviation community are reflected in the paper. The relevance of the chosen topic is due to the need to study the semantic and functional specifics of the phraseology of the aviation thesaurus. In contrast to existing researches of Aviation English, the linguistic and social analysis role of phraseology in international communication with the organization of professional activities is proposed. Shying away a danger to repeat the already studied aspects of the problem of professional communication, our aim is to highlight the specifics of standard phraseologisms as a form of commands verbalization in the field of aviation communication. The study is based on the theoretical provisitions of the mutual condition for language, culture and thinking in the works by V.V. von Humboldt, Sepir E. and phraseology by Balli Sh, and on the materials of foreign researchers on the practice of aviation phraseology as well. The paper opens the semantic difference between special and commonly phraseoligisms. The functional unambiguity of special phrases in Aviation English is substantiated by conventionality and a common for communicators logical way for comprehending reality. In the paper is emphasized the danger of using a non-standard phraseologisms and non-logical judgment forms. Promoting an idea of a need for the complex and professional competence of an aviation specialist. The result of the done researches is outputs about its own phraseology justified formation by every professional community with a clearly defined function of the activities regulation of multilanguage speakers, who are united by the activity character, ways of thinking and a professional subculture.The provisions, which are mentioned in the conclusions of our study, define as a promising direction for further development so a problem of forming the communicative competence of a perspective aviation specialist. Keywords: aviation English; English for Specific Purposes; English for General Purposes; phraseolism; subculture.

Perceptions of ESP Lecturers’ Professional Development in China: An Ecological Perspective

The teaching of English for Special Purposes (ESP) has become the mainstream of English teaching in Chinese universities. This article, from a perspective of Educational Ecology, explored ESP lecturers’ professional development in Chinese universities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on 13 ESP lecturers who were in the interim of transforming from teaching of English for General Purposes (EGP). It was found that there existed an imbalance in the ESP lecturers’ professional development in terms of internal and external ecology. In order to resume the ecological niche, this article proposed a quadruple symbiosis of ESP lecturers’ professional development, namely an integrity of ESP lecturers’ autonomy, management support, ESP teacher community, and ESP teacher training and enterprise cooperation internship.

Killing Two Birds with One Stone: Integration of ESP into EGP for Engineering Students

An increasing number of studies have explored English for specific purposes (ESP) instruction because English communication, especially for semiconductor system engineering college students, is crucial in academic communities and workplaces. However, there are few actual classroom-based studies that last for one semester. The purpose of the present study is to examine how engineering students perceive the integration of ESP into an English for general purposes (EGP) course and how their perceptions shape their educational practices. Among 69 engineering students who had gone through ESP instruction in a real classroom setting, 12 volunteer students participated in this interview, and their responses were triangulated with other data. The findings demonstrated that most engineering students were worried but excited about the ESP instruction at first. They also reported that major-specific terms and resources were difficult to find, yet they admitted it was worthwhile because struggles are part of the learning process. After instruction, they reported that ESP had strengthened their major knowledge as well as their English skills. These findings show the importance of needs analysis, cooperation with content professors, a hybrid form of ESP instruction with EGP, and authentic and simplified ESP resources to make the ESP course feasible for engineering students.

Tailored vs. Standard Curriculum and General English Achievement: A Study of Teachers’ Views

This study was conducted in two phases. The first one is the preliminary phase aimed at tailoring the standard curriculum based on learners’ needs analysis. The second one is the main phase, intended to evaluate the tailored curriculum based on teachers’ views. The participants in the preliminary phase of the study (tailoring the curriculum) were 346 non-native male and female undergraduate students who received the same Pre-Requisite General English course at their first semester in university. They were studying different majors, including Accounting, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. The participants in the main phase (evaluation of the tailored curriculum by teachers) were 10 non-native male (7) and female (3) teachers who taught the Pre-Requisite General English course through the tailored curriculum. The findings of the study supported the hypothesis that the teachers have a positive attitude toward using the tailored curriculum in teaching the Pre-Requisite General English course. It seems that the implementation of this tailored program, which is based on learner-needs-analysis, can enhance the effectiveness of the English for General Purposes (EGP) course, compared to the standard one.

University Students’ Willingness to Communicate in Virtual Classroom

Shifting from real classes to online classes ideally does not decrease students’ willingness to communicate (WTC) in a language classroom since it is an indication of successful language learning in a virtual class. Given the crucial of promoting students’ willingness to communicate in English online class, the present study analyzed the patterns of university students’ WTC in a synchronous virtual class. With this purpose in mind, 43 students taking English for general purposes were chosen as the sample in this study. To gather the data of students’ WTC patterns, the online class using zoom application was observed by administrating the Coding scheme developed by Chao and Philp. The patterns of the students’ WTC were analyzed and classified into six categorizes based on the scheme. The results of the study reveal that the occurrences and patterns of students’ WTC are affected by different task types given by the lecturer. Thus, it is expected that education practitioners construct virtual learning design providing various activities so that students’ WTC in an online classroom can be triggered and enhanced.

Needs Analysis in the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) Approach: The Case of the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla

Controversy about whether English for General Purposes (EGP) or English for Specific Purposes (ESP) should be taught at university courses has attracted the attention of language teachers and researchers in Mexican higher education during the last decade. However, moving towards ESP remains a complex task since EFL instructors and authorities are challenged to match what students need and want with the development of innovative pedagogical proposals. Therefore, this paper explored the English learning needs and perceptions of the 2014 cohort at a regional campus that is part of a public university in Mexico and how a group of EFL teachers worked with them. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using a mixed-method sequential approach. This needs analysis was developed in three stages over two years. During this time, needs were identified and Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) within the ESP teaching approach was adopted and implemented. The perceptions of 191 students were assessed through a questionnaire applied after the completion of four EFL classes. The results showed that students' perceptions were, overall, positive regarding their experiences in their EFL classes. This suggests that the approach used was useful, and the materials were appropriate to support their learning.

EAP in China: A case study of a paradigm shift in Shanghai College English programmes

Against the backdrop of the internationalization of higher education, Shanghai tertiary institutions in mainland China implemented a paradigm shift from test-driven EGP (English for General Purposes) to EAP (English for Academic Purposes) in 2013. Based on the needs analysis of specialist departments and pedagogical constraints, a hybrid EAP approach was adopted to fend off general criticism of EAP practices and hindrances from policy makers of different levels. To facilitate the shift, we used a top-down approach with Shanghai government support, designed an EAP-focused curriculum, planned EAP teacher-training programmes, organized project-based and publication-oriented student forums and conferences, developed EAP tests, and created a China EAP Association. Some implications for the paradigm shift have finally emerged from the findings.

Comparative Methodological Analysis Of The ESP And EGP Approaches

This article presents a comparative analysis of the teaching of English for General Purposes and English for Special Purposes, to present arguments regarding approaches designed to organize and ensure high efficiency in mastering the English language for special purposes.

ENGLISH SUBJECT ON ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES (ESP) IN VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS

This study aimed to analyze the English subject in two vocational schools in Kota Langsa based on English for Specific Purposes (ESP) approach and how it was implemented in the classroom. This study applied a descriptive qualitative method. The two vocational schools involved in the research are Hotel Hospitality Management and Maritime Fishing Vessel Engineering. The data were gained from the teachers and students by conducting observation, interview, Focus Group Discusssion (FGD), and document analysis of syllabus and teaching materials. The data were analyzed by comparing the real condition of teaching-learning process and the ideal condition based on ESP approach. The finding showed that the two schools used General English (GE) frequently rather than ESP on English subject. Despite the common use of GE in these two schools, they had the option to adjust their English subject into ESP standard. One school had the ESP subject called English for Maritime and another school chose Mandarin subject as the option. As a result, the school only had GE for English subject. Thus, the English subject was taught and designed as English for General Purposes rather than English for Specific Purposes.