Exploring Learner Corpus Data to Inform ESP Curriculum Design for Engineering Students

Abstract

This study investigates the utilization of learner corpus data as a foundational resource for informing the design of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) curricula tailored to engineering students. With the increasing globalization of engineering education and the necessity for engineers to possess proficient English communication skills, the development of effective ESP courses has become paramount. Drawing upon corpus linguistics methodology, this research delves into the linguistic needs and challenges encountered by engineering learners through the analysis of authentic learner-produced texts. By scrutinizing learner corpora, consisting of written and spoken English samples, this study identifies recurrent linguistic patterns, errors, and areas of difficulty specific to engineering students. Moreover, it explores the potential of corpus-based pedagogical interventions in addressing these linguistic shortcomings and enhancing ESP instruction. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the linguistic characteristics of engineering students and offer practical implications for ESP curriculum designers, educators, and materials developers to create targeted and effective language learning resources that cater to the unique needs of engineering learners.