GLOBALIZATION AND ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES

Globalization processes affect and are affected by business and work organization, economics, and social-cultural resources. Globalizing processes such as internationalization and immigration lead to contact situations in which different people with their distinct languages and cultures meet and interact. In such circumstances the most frequently used language is English; it is used both in everyday communication and in various workplaces. The current level of global economy and the internationalization of communication in various fields involve career-specific terminology in order to coordinate research and to deliver professional services. The field of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is among the richest areas of second language research and practice because increasing globalization and changing technologies spawn new modes of intercultural connection and new occasions for second language use. Consequently, the demand for English for Specific Purposes is expanding in technical universities. This requires a special language teaching approach, that combines subject matter and English language teaching. Students approach the study of English through a domain which they have already studied. This approach is focused more on language in context than on teaching lexical structures and grammar. The current article points out that ESP should be taught as a subject matter important to students, integrated in their real professional world. An ESP course design should start from analyzing the students’ particular needs and wants. Based on students’ needs and their future language use, the goals and objectives of the course can be determined. This process involves consideration of specific grammatical functions, terminology comprehension, and the abilities required for future workplace communication. Before starting an ESP course the students should acquire thorough professional knowledge taught during university lectures, laboratory sessions and seminars. Reinforcing professional notions, concepts, and ideas through English vocabulary and structures integrated in meaningful contexts increases the students' motivation. They start using what they learn in their ESP courses right away in their professional work and studies. The ESP approach will enhance the students' interest in their domain and will motivate them to use professional publications and to interact with specialists from other countries.