Construct the Domain-specific Communication Procedures of Chinese Mechanical Engineering Students in the Double Degree Program

Abstract

In engineering scientific communication, technical language serves as the carrier of information. Technical languages are linguistic tools for communication in specific field, enabling mutual understanding. This study examines four module handbooks of the Bachelor's program in Mechanical Engineering in the German-Chinese double degree program. The focus is on the compulsory technical modules, which contain the important specialized courses. Firstly, the study analyzes competence descriptions of these courses in the four module handbooks, from which communication procedures can be derived. Based on this analysis, specific communication procedures and typical linguistic resources for successful technical communication are identified. Statistics and analysis demonstrate that students need to be proficient in various areas of technical language such as "explaining", "describing", "evaluating" and "analyzing", as they are elementary for technical communication in the mechanical engineering course. Based on these findings, specialized language courses should be specifically designed to impart the necessary communicative skills to students in relation to these communication procedures. It is important to develop both oral and written communication skills in order to explain complex matters, analyze systems, weigh advantages and disadvantages, and make evaluations.