English for Specific Purposes
Wrld

English for Medical Purposes Course Design for Arab University Students

Mohamad Abdulhamed Molhim

Abstract

About 375 million people all over the world speak English as a first language, with a similar number speaking English as a second language, and about 750 million individuals speaking English as a foreign language (EFL) (Crystal, 1995). It is estimated that speakers of English as a second language will soon outnumber those who speak it as a first language (Graddol, 1997). Furthermore, many studies show that learners around the world are aware of the significance of English fluency and proficiency for professional careers.

In conclusion, this paper is to suggest a design for an ESP course for medical students after conducting a NA. I concur with researchers discussing NA (Richards et al 1985, Hutchinson and Waters, 1987) in that a NA would ultimately help “identify general to specific language needs, which can be addressed in developing goals, objectives and content for a language programme (and) provide data which can serve as the basis for reviewing and evaluating an existing programme” (Richards et al 1985, p. 7). Accordingly, after analysing learners’ needs, I hope the course design will be appropriate to the target EMP students.

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