Due to globalization, it has become mandatory for a professional in any field to communicate or transact business in English. If one wishes to pursue research in one’s area of interest or work for any industry, there is no alternative for him/her except to learn English. This necessity calls for English Language Teaching (ELT) in all courses at the higher education level, more so in professional courses. Presaging the necessity of English at the professional level, English that was taught for general purposes (EGP) has been replaced with English for Professional Purposes (EPP) under the sphere of English for Specific Purposes (ESP). The terms “General English” and “Special English” are no longer in vogue and have been replaced with the term “Professional English.”
Professional English refers to the use of English for communication in professional or business-related situations. It can be studied at various levels. Firstly, it is a form of communication. Secondly, it involves communication through language, which is only one form of communication. Here, at this level, one needs to understand what language is and how it is used in communication. Thirdly, one needs to approach Professional English as communication through a particular language, i.e., English. Knowledge of some features of English language important for communication is needed here. Unlike the other languages that have unique features, English has universal features which it shares with other languages. Lastly, one needs an understanding of the business or professional world too. |
