Abstract:

The article investigates theoretical and practical problems posed by the global status of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) which interferes with its culture-bound character. First, different models of the research text structure are looked at with respect to their culture-bound character, including English, Russian and Spanish. It is argued that the English IMRD (ntroduction, Methodology, Research, Discussion) structural pattern of the research text seems crucial for ESP teaching. However, in addition to making ESP learners familiar with this pattern and teaching them to respect it as an element of other culture, it is necessary to develop cross-cultural competence, as well. This involves introduction to different cultures and underlying systems of cultural values, such as relation to time, space, nature, power, communication, argumentation, etc. Second, changes in the ESP curriculum are vital, which demands ample ESP reading, translation, oral speech and writing classes. These will contribute to practical development of professional cross-cultural competence. Moreover, oral and virtual participation in international conferences, joint research projects, academic mobility, as well as publications in top research journals should be welcome and supported by university authorities. This will lead to rapprochement of professional cultures and closer mutual understanding. As is shown, nowadays English research texts are characterized by features of collective culture, creativity, viability, etc. which are based on the modern research method and globalization of cultural values. Perspectives of further research are outlined.

Keywords:

ESP, research text, culture-bound, structure, cross-cultural competence, curriculum.