ESP-2024: First International Conference

English for Specific Purposes in Action: Bridging the Gap between University and the Socio-economic Sector

Rationale

     English is considered the most commonly used language for international communication. Often referred to as the "lingua franca parexcellence" (Holmes & Dervin, 2016, p.2), it is now in high demand in education, business, and tourism. This has led many developing countries, including Algeria, to adopt English as a way to join the globalized world.

    English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is a teaching approach that tailors content and methodologies to the specific needs of a particular field. It equips learners with the necessary language skills for effective communication in relevant situations.

    Algeria is taking a step forward towards integrating English into its educational systems, particularly in higher education. However, a noticeable lack of uniformity exists in ESP integration across various disciplines, such as Science and Technology. While general English courses are included, programs specifically designed for technical and medical fields may not be available. This unevenness highlights the need for authorities and policymakers to intervene and develop solutions.

    The issue with regard to ESP teaching becomes more complex because of the non-existence of programs for Algerian ESP teachers trainingin Algeria (Akkar & Idri, 2021). That is why, the authors call for, supplementary efforts are required to improve the teaching/learning of ESP in Algeria.

   The government has also implemented an English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) policy in higher education. This policy aims to increase universities' global reach and produce highly qualified professionals who meet the demands of the 21st century. However, the success ofthese initiatives depends on the availability of qualified ESP practitioners and research to ensure high-quality ESP courses that effectively prepare future workers.

    This international scientific event is highly significant as it encourages collaboration among ESP practitioners, researchers, and learners toimprove their teaching and learning skills. The main objective is to enhance knowledge of current ESP teaching practices and trends to create high-quality, universal experiences that meet international standards.

References

Akkar, S. & Idri, N. (2021). A Diagnostic View on the Status of ESP at the Vocational Training Institute of Bejaia, Algeria:The Case of Health, Safety and Environment Trainees. Algerian Journal of Manuscripts. Volume 17 / Special Issue: (2021), pp.136-155. https://www.asjp.cerist.dz/en/article/187524

Basturkmen, H. (2006). Ideas and options in English for specific purposes. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Publishers

Dudley-Evans, T. (2001). Team-teaching in EAP: Changes and adaptations in the Birmingham approach. In J. Flowerdew& M. Peacock (Eds.), Research perspectives on English for Academic Purposes. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, page 225–238 chrome- extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://assets.cambridge.org/97805218/01300/sample/9780521801300ws.pdf

Holmes, P. & Dervin, F. (2016). Introduction – English as a Lingua Franca and Interculturality: Beyond Orthodoxies. In P. Holmes & F. Dervin (Ed.), The Cultural and Intercultural Dimensions of English as a Lingua Franca (pp. 1-30). Bristol, Blue Ridge Summit: Multilingual Matters. https://doi.org/10.21832/9781783095100-004

Hutchinson, T & Waters, A. (1987). English for Specific Purposes, A Learning centered Approach. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://assets.cambridge.org/97805213/18372/excerpt/9780521318372_excerpt.pdf

Yalden, J. (1987). Principles of Course Design for Language Teaching Implementation. London: Prentice-Hall. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED356627

Objectives 

• Addressing language challenges in the use of English in professional; academic and vocational contexts.
• Exploring language needs, course design, and effective teaching methodologies in ESP.
• Fostering effective communication in the ESP academic and occupational environment.
• Investigating trends and opportunities in ESP research and teaching.

Tracks

I. Needs Analysis and Program Development

1. Needs analysis

2. ESP Course design

3. ESP syllabus and curriculum development and evaluation (creating and assessing learning materials)

II. Teaching and Learning

4. Teaching trends in ESP (latest teaching methodologies)

5. Instructional material design (creating effective learning resources)

6. ESP teacher training and development

7. ESP and technology integration

8. ESP and artificial intelligence (exploring AI applications in ESP)

III. Research and Development

9. Discourse analysis in ESP (examining language use in specific fields)

10. Corpus analysis in ESP (using large text collections for research)

11. ESP challenges and opportunities (addressing difficulties and exploring possibilities)

IV. Broader Context

12. ESP, CLIL & EMI (exploring connections to Content and Language Integrated Learning and English as a Medium of Instruction)

13. Interculturality in ESP (integrating cultural awareness into ESP programs)

Presentation Formats

• Oral in-person presentation (15mn)
• Oral Online presentation (10mn)
• Workshop session (30mn)
• Poster Presentation

Publication

Selected papers will be published in two forms:

1. In a special issue in the Journal of Studies in Language, Culture and Society (JSLCS)https://www.asjp.cerist.dz/en/PresentationRevue/6812.
2. An Edited Book with an ISBN number (LESMS Lab and the PRFU Projects). 

Conference Fees

• 3000 DA for teachers and professional
• 1500 DA for doctoral students
• Free of charge for the scientific and organizing committees

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the conference registration fee. However, a discounted rate is available at the conference hotel. Please contact the organizing committee for details and booking assistance.

Contact

All abstracts and questions about submissions should be emailed to: prfuengbejaia@gmail.com