Language Competences amidst Corporatization, Digital Technologies, and Learning English for Specific Purposes

Abstract

This paper looks at the tripartite problematic perspective in current English for Specific Purposes educational practices in order to direct educational practices toward the progressive approaches and improvement in the area of language competences. One aspect of the thematic framework concerns the problem of the varieties of English in the light of the question of the norm. The other is related to the problem of corporatization of education. The third perspective focuses on digital technologies in a globalized world, as well as their role in and impact on education. The empirical part of the research was conducted in the form of a survey in which students answered questions about these thematic clusters. The research indicated the justifiability of the conceptual framework of the paper. It also revealed the angles from which the initial concerns could be questioned. The insights may open up an avenue for future tendencies in the syllabus design and classroom activities within English for Specific Purposes. Based on them, the authors recommend a balanced approach to nonstandard variants of English in ESP; an awareness and application of the benefits of both technology and in-person, face-to-face communication; a motivation for learning English that transcends sheer concern for profit.