Developing Language Competence Through English for Specific Purposes in English-Medium University Settings - (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book explores the interplay between English for specific purposes (ESP) and English-medium instruction (EMI) and the ways in which they are implemented, as well as teaching and assessing challenges. Furthermore, it considers teaching practices used by ESP professionals and the kind of support given to EMI through ESP.

Book Synopsis

This book explores the interplay between English for specific purposes (ESP) and English-medium instruction (EMI) and the ways in which they are implemented, as well as teaching and assessing challenges. Furthermore, it considers teaching practices used by ESP professionals and the kind of support given to EMI through ESP.

Review Quotes

In a university context in which ESP seems to be in competition with EMI, this volume is a timely contribution to underscore the limitations of one without the other. As the book chapters highlight, ESP has proven to be the best language support for EMI, and EMI provides the best practice for ESP.

This is an enlightening volume demonstrating the importance of ESP in EMI and convincingly arguing for the reappraisal of its role in today's EMI-driven tertiary education. Essential reading for course designers, ESP teachers and subject specialists as well as for the ESP and EMI research communities in general!

This timely collection of studies conducted in different national contexts chimes with current scholarly debates surrounding ESP/EAP and EMI. The editors have done a brilliant job creating synergy between the two research fields and outlining avenues for collaboration. This book is an essential read for university teachers, researchers and policymakers.

About the Author

Marta Aguilar-Pérez is an associate professor of English for specific purposes and technical communication at the School of Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (BarcelonaTech), Spain. Her research focuses on professional and academic communication as well as the role of ESP in internationalised universities offering English-medium taught courses and programmes.

Balbina Moncada-Comas is an assistant professor of English for specific purposes at the School of Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (BarcelonaTech), Spain. Her research interests include multimodality, plurilingualism, identity and emotion, and classroom practices in EMI and ESP settings.

Dietmar Tatzl is a faculty member of the Institute of Aviation, FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences, Austria, where he has taught English language courses to aeronautical engineering students for 22 years. His research interests include English for specific purposes, English for science and technology, and engineering education.