SPECIALIZED VOCABULARY LEARNING ACROSS DISCIPLINES: EXPLORING ESP LEARNERS’ NEEDS AND FOSTERING VOCABULARY LEARNING STRATEGIES FOR PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
Keywords:
English for Specific Purposes (ESP), Vocabulary Learning Strategies, Vocabulary Acquisition, Specialized Vocabulary, Lexical CompetenceAbstract
Specialized vocabulary acquisition and retention is crucial for tertiary level learners in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses in a particular discipline to comprehend subject-specific texts and enhance lexical competence to develop their communicative ability in preparation for their future careers. This article outlines the role of specialized vocabulary in ESP courses while highlighting various aspects on learners’ lexical needs for their comprehension and communication in professional contexts. This paper also provides an overview of vocabulary learning strategies, ranging from the most common to the recent which include data-driven and technology-based strategies that facilitate ESP learners’ vocabulary acquisition and raise their motivation in specialized vocabulary learning. Moreover, the major issues and limitations impeding learners’ progress in specialized vocabulary learning are addressed. The paper also sheds light on the need of learner training for fostering specialized vocabulary learning strategies by teachers and employing them effectively for comprehension and communication purposes by learners. The article concludes with a discussion by ESP practitioners in facilitating the vocabulary learning process and recommendations for specialized vocabulary acquisition and enhancement activities inside the classroom and beyond.
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