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evolution of ESP or Teaching English for Specific Purposes.

By Linneys
  • Birth of ESP

    Birth of ESP

    It emerged as a response to the need to teach technical and scientific English to professionals, especially in the Middle East.
  • A needs-based approach is created

    A needs-based approach is created

    Courses are developed that focus on students' specific needs (e.g., medical English, English for engineers). Needs analysis is becoming popular as a teaching tool.
  • theoretical consolidation is born

    theoretical consolidation is born

    Hutchinson Waters published English for Specific Purposes: A Learning-Centred Approach (1987), proposing that ESP is an approach, not a linguistic product.
  • diversifications of disciplines are created

    diversifications of disciplines are created

    ESP is extended to include areas such as business, tourism, aviation, law, etc. The importance of the professional and academic context is recognized.
  • integration of TIC and active methodologies

    integration of TIC and active methodologies

    Digital technologies, simulations, and authentic materials are incorporated. The communicative and task-based approach is strengthened.
  • Common European Framework and its competences

    Common European Framework and its competences

    ESP is aligned with the CEFR, focusing on specific communication skills for both students and professionals in work and academic contexts.
  • Personalization and a more intercultural approach

    Personalization and a more intercultural approach

    The design of courses adapted to local contexts is promoted, with an intercultural approach and the use of artificial intelligence for needs analysis.
  • Hybrid methodologies and post-pandemic approach

    Hybrid methodologies and post-pandemic approach

    Mixed models (in-person + virtual) are consolidated, with an emphasis on student autonomy and the use of interactive platforms.
  • critical review and interdisciplinary approach

    critical review and interdisciplinary approach

    The analysis of discursive genres, communities of practice and ethnographic perspectives in ESP is promoted.
  • AI integration and much more advanced personalization

    AI integration and much more advanced personalization

    Artificial intelligence tools are explored for needs analysis, materials generation, and adaptive evaluation.
  • Trends in empirical research on ESP

    Trends in empirical research on ESP

    Recent studies highlight experiential, collaborative and contextualized learning, with a strong presence of emerging technologies.