Mapping English for Specific Purposes: Foundations, Theoretical Perspectives, and Pedagogical Applications

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the concept and pedagogical significance of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) by analyzing its theoretical foundations, learner-centered orientation, and implications for contemporary English Language Teaching (ELT). The study presents an overview of the scope of ESP, highlighting its origin, major components, and expanding areas of application. It further discusses the emergence of ESP as a specialized approach to language teaching that evolved alongside the growing international role of English in scientific, technical, academic, and professional communication. The study employed a qualitative theoretical and review-based methodology, drawing upon established literature and major scholarly contributions in the field of ESP and ELT. The findings revealed that ESP is best understood as an approach rather than a product, emphasizing learner needs, contextualized language instruction, and active learner engagement through relevant pedagogical strategies. The paper also covers the basic approaches to ESP studies which comprise needs analysis (NA), register analysis (RA), discourse analysis (DA) and genre tradition (GT). This study contributes to the field of knowledge by synthesizing major theoretical perspectives on ESP and offering practical pedagogical insights for designing learner-centered and context-sensitive English language teaching practices.