The Gap between Perceived and Achieved English Communication Needs of Saudi Management and Business Administration Students: An ESP Paradigm

Abdullah Ahmad M. Alfaifi, Mohammad Bahudhailah, Mohammad Saleem

Abstract


English has gained institutional as well as social acceptance in Saudi Arabia, especially as the language of higher education. Institutes of higher learning make sure that their students achieve an acceptable standard of communicative competence. But, despite many efforts, the discrepancy between the perceived and achieved needs of learners in English communication is observed. This is specifically true of specific course students, such as Management and Business Administration students, who are taught English to enhance their professional communicative competence in English. An empirical study based on survey was conducted at King Abdulaziz University—Rabigh Branch, Saudi Arabia, to investigate whether the English communication needs of Management and Administration students envisaged by the University matched the needs perceived by these students for themselves in the changing global scenario regarding the use of English, and if there is any discrepancy between the two, whether students wish for a change in the way English is taught to them currently. The results obtained from the survey show that students advocate for English for Specific Purposes (ESP) for themselves, with increased semesters of teaching and inclusion of more books in English catering to business English requirements. The implications of the study are far reaching as the students’ perception of their English communication needs indicates the need for stronger advocacy for the inclusion of ESP courses, especially in the vocational programs at the university, such as MBA.    

https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.21.1.15


Keywords


Business English; ESP in Saudi Arabia; Saudi Students’ perception, perceived and achieved communication needs of ESP learners

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References


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