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Post World War II
Demand for an International Language: The unprecedented post-World War II expansion in scientific, technical and economic activities generated the need for an international language. English emerged as a key language for international transactions, creating a new category of students seeking practical language skills for technology and commerce. -
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Developments in Linguistics
Revolution in Linguistics: Influential developments in linguistics shifted the focus from describing linguistic rules to understanding their use in the real world. Scholars such as Peter Strevens, Jack Ewer and John Swales conducted log analyses, identifying linguistic features in specific fields such as electrical engineering and biology. -
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Focus on learner needs
Beyond the Sentence:ESP evolved beyond sentence-level analysis to discourse analysis and rhetoric. The emphasis shifted from sentence composition to understanding how sentences are used in communicative acts. Scholars such as Henry Widdowson and the Washington School played a key role in this phase. -
Target situation analysis
Learner Needs Analysis: The development of John Munby's Communicative Syllabus Design marked a shift towards analysis of the target situation. This involved creating detailed profiles of learners' communication needs, language skills and the context in which they would use English. -
Skills and strategies
Deepening Comprehension: ESP went beyond the superficial analysis of language to focus on underlying cognitive processes. Scholars such as Françoise Grellet, Christine Nuttall and Charles Alderson explored skills and strategies in reading. Projects such as the National ESP Project in Brazil and the University of Malaya ESP Project focused on reading strategies.
Development of foundational texts like Hutchinson and Waters’ English for Specific Purposes (1987) -
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Learning-centred approach
Prioritisation of Learning: The learning-centred approach emphasised understanding of the underlying processes of language learning, going beyond descriptions of language use. This stage marked a deeper understanding of the needs of learners and the learning process in ESP. Growth of ESP courses across various disciplines, including business, health, and technology. Introduction of needs analysis as a key component in designing ESP curricula, emphasizing learner-centered approaches. -
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Current and future trends
ESP research and teaching increasingly prioritise learners' backgrounds and the contexts in which they use English. Cross-cultural issues and the role of ESP teachers in advocating for learners' rights in collaborative situations become prominent. ESP continues to contribute to applied linguistics, anticipating a growth in research on cultural issues and the role of teachers in advocating for learners' rights.