what+is+ESP


 * What did you learn about ESP?**

After reading this article I’ve brought its ideas to in my work experience. Firstly, I would like to say that I am not engineering or even translator. But, at work, I have to translate technical problems or any technical questions that our customers send to our technical office. I have to understand exactly what the customer is explaining in order to translate it to the engineer. I use specialized technical vocabulary related to the lathe and technical assistance. Later, engineer and I analyze customer situation in situ in the lathe. Finally we create an accurate and suitable answer to the customer, including technical vocabulary or specific expressions. With this article I’ve learn that what I am doing in my job could be the beginning of learning ESP (I say it modestly). Since I have to analysis English taking into account the interrelationship between: technical words, structures and particular contexts. But the negative aspect, according to the text, would be that, as I am not professional, I trust my intuitions and assumptions about language use in ESP situations, what are probably inaccurate. When I started this course I had no idea about the meaning of ESP. I confess that I thought it was English for Spanish-speaking (what nonsense!) **What’s the difference between ESP and GE (General English)?** I would define GE as English used for day-to-day situation. The one taught at schools based on theory with basic aspects of listening, speaking writing and grammar in use. However ESP is used by specific groups of people in specific situations. It requires General English, knowledge of the field, specific vocabulary, analysis, observation… Everything in order to understand and to be understood in an specific area. ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages ESL: English as a Second Language EFL: English as a Foreign Language GE: General English M. A: Academic degree FIT: Free Independent traveller
 * What did you already know about it?**
 * What other acronyms did you learn? What do they mean?**