University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene - ST-ING/LMD - Technical English - Mr.

Bensalem & Mr. Med Amine Djedi - 2023-2024

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Lecture 01: What is Technical English? ESP vs EGP

ESP: ‘English for specific purposes.’ EGP: ‘English for general purposes.’

1. Understanding technical English (Technical Language):

In a world where efficient communication is of the essence, using a language style such as
technical English is vital for communicators like yourself. For this reason, understanding and
perfecting the characteristics and principles of technical English will allow you to master the
skill of Technical Translation and discern the difference between Everyday English and
technical English.

1.1. What is technical language?

Technical language, often referred to as ‘Jargon’, implies the use of a special vocabulary
belonging to a specific profession, industry or group. In linguistics, it is used to mean
“Specialist Language.”
As an engineer, the simple use of words and terms referring to your field of study/work can
be referred to as jargon. Here are some examples of words and terminology you may be using

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that are considered Jargon:

- Empirical research: ‘Travaux de recherche empirique.’

- Theoretical research: ‘Travaux de recherche théorique.’

- Data collection: ‘Collection de données.’

- Data classification: ‘Classement de données.’
- Data processing: ‘Traitement de données.’

- Fundamental research: ‘La recherche fondamentale.’

- A phenomenon: ‘Un phénomène.’

- Microchip: ‘Puce électronique.’

- CPU: ‘Processeur.’
- Update: ‘Mise à jour.’

Reference: https://englishlive.ef.com/fr-fr/blog/anglais-commercial/vocabulaire-recherche-science-anglais
1.2. The advantages of technical Language:

There are numerous incentives behind the use of a Technical style of language. To cite a
few:
- Precision charts a path for clearer communication without leaving room for ambiguity.
- Efficiency allows the communicator to convey intricate information concisely.
- Professionalism demonstrates the communicator’s degree of expertise in their field.
- Globalisation paves the way to standard/normalised use of technical communication styles
worldwide.

1.3. The purpose behind the use of technical Language:

The primary purpose of technical language is to communicate complex information

accurately, efficiently, and unambiguously. It enables professionals within specific
industries to exchange detailed, precise information without a need for back-and-forth on
previous points.

For a more in-depth look into the advantages of Technical Language (English) in the
professional world, check the following link: What is Technical English and Why Should You
Learn It?

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2. Written Technical English:

2.1 What is technical writing?

Technical writing is a form of writing focused on the documentation of processes, it can be

found in reading materials such as instruction manuals. It focuses on having a broader
description as well as a scarcity of jargon to make sense for the general public/reader.

- “Technical writing is performed by a technical writer (or technical author) and is the process
of writing and sharing technical information in a professional setting.” [Wikipedia]
- “Technical writing is simplifying the complex” [Techwhirl.com]

2.2. The principles of written technical English:

As an engineer in a rather demanding field of study/work, easing the communication

process between involved parties is a duty rather than an option.
Conveying technical pieces of information can become a thorn in one’s side depending on the
‘level of complexity of said information’ and ‘the audience’s level of proficiency in the
tackled field’. To ease the communication process for both yourself and your audience,
focusing on the following characteristics is key:
 - Clarity ensures the information is easy to understand.
- Accuracy entails the provision and use of factual and correct information.
- Comprehensibility ensures that the audience can understand the message.
- Conciseness focuses on delivering information in as few words as possible.
- Consistency stresses the use of a consistent term and format.

2.3. The characteristics of written technical English:

Written Technical English differentiates itself from everyday English because of the
following characteristics:

● Sentences are around 20 to 25 words.

- 20 Words for Procedural Sentences; Used when providing instructions.
- 25 Words for Descriptive Sentences; Used when describing e.g. “The chip is
about an inch in length and half an inch in width, it’s coated with microwires
that appear to be made out of copper.”

● Paragraphs contain no more than 06 sentences.

● Jargon and slang are replaced in favour of simpler vocabulary.
● Simple verb tenses and active voice are prioritized.

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●
●
●
Sequential steps are written in multiple sentences rather than long run-on sentences.
Instructions are clear, jargon-free and unambiguous.
Descriptions are objective, detailed, and reliable.
● Definite and indefinite articles are used as often as possible to avoid repetition and
redundancy.

2.4. Who needs technical English?

The respective meanings of standard English terms can vary depending on the field in
which they are used. In addition, English grammar has its own set of nuances and complex
rules that cause a great deal of confusion among non-native readers. Although it may not
seem like a major roadblock in everyday life, when it comes to certain fields and professions
clarity is vital to avoid communication difficulties and misinterpretations.

Today, simplified Technical English is mandatory in the following industries and sectors:
The Aviation industry, the Military sector, Software Development, Information technology
(IT), the Automotive industry, the Manufacturing industry, the industry of Mechanical
Engineering… etc.’

If you’re interested in learning more about the importance of Technical English in the IT
industry, check the following link: Technical English for IT: Do you need to learn?
 3. ESP: English for specific purposes:
3.1. What is ESP?

In the context of ELF or ‘English as a Foreign Language’ learning and teaching, the use of
‘General English ’ or GE is predominant.

The mastery of General English is achieved during primary, middle and high school by
teaching various lectures in Grammar, vocabulary and the four language skills, namely:
Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. In university, however, students experience a
drastic shift in the way they tackle the English language. They are exposed to various types of
English or English with Specific Purposes.

To this end, we’ll be tackling the ELT or ‘English Language Teaching’ Tree:

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Source: ELT Tree (Hutchinson and Waters 1987, p. 17)

 The figure above allows us to deduce that ESP or English for Specific Purposes is a way of
English teaching or as referred to by Anthony, 1997, p.9-10: “it is an approach to teaching
English for any purpose that could be specified'' We can therefore deduce that the way in
which English is taught varies from one field to another. The English used to teach a future
linguist will be different from the one used to teach a doctor or engineer.

● Further descriptions of ESP:

- Mackay and Mountford (1978: 2) “ESP is generally used to refer to the teaching of
English for a clearly utilitarian purpose.”
- “The teaching of English used in academic studies or the teaching of English for
vocational or professional purposes”. Anthony (1997: 9-10).

3.2. “English for Specific Purposes” vs “English for General Purposes”:

a) English for Specific Purposes:

- When learning new terminology in EST, it will be relevant to a specific field of study
e.g. (Science, Linguistics, sociology… etc.)
- ESP syllabus caters to learners who seek to specialize in a specific academic field.

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- ESP builds on previous EGP notions and pushes them further in relation to a specific
field.
- Teaching ESP relies on flexible methodologies that can be used in different situations
depending on the learner’s needs in their domain of study.
- ESP is a learner-centred approach where the learner's needs and goals are of supreme
value.
- ESP caters to adult learners with an advanced degree of awareness regarding their
needs.
“English en route to the acquisition of some quite different body of knowledge and set of
skills” (ibid 1980: 6).

b) English for General Purposes:

- EGP carters to learners in the early stages of Academic learning, namely: junior/high
school.
- Learners are exposed to sounds and symbols of English, the four language skills, as
well as Lexico-grammatical elements that compose written and spoken discourse
(Basics).
- EGP doesn’t target any particular situation when learning English.
- EGP focuses on written and spoken English in everyday content such as newspapers,
magazines, and textbooks... Etc.
 - EGP is a language-centred approach that focuses on learning language from a broad
perception covering all the language skills and the cultural aspects of the
English-speaking community.
- EGP notions are provided to learners in the form of obligatory modules with the
unique purpose of succeeding in examinations.
Basturkmen (2006) Maintains that “General English Language teaching tends to set out
from a definite point to an indeterminate one.”

3.3. English with specific topics:

English with specific Topics is a type of ESP identified by Carter, that is uniquely
concerned with future English needs; for instance, scientists who need English for
postgraduate activities such as attending work conferences or working in foreign institutions
use English with specific topics.

Some linguistics argue that this is not a type of ESP, but rather an integral component of ESP
courses.

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Source: Classification of ESP (Dudley-Evans and St. John, 1998, p. 6)

Hutchinson and Waters (1987) state that there is little difference between ESP and EGP in
theory; however, there is a great deal of difference in practice.

As indicated in the above table, the main difference lies in the aims and objectives of
learning, the targeted learners, and the contents and themes of the courses.
3.3. What ESP is NOT!

“Tell me what you need English for, and I will tell you the English that you need”
- Hutchinson and Waters (1987)

- ESP does not rely on the teaching of surface language notions found in written or
spoken discourse.
- The simple fact that language can be used for a specific purpose doesn’t make ESP
teaching, the teaching of “Specialized Varieties” of language.

References:

- Ehlion Magazine ‘Language Consultancy’.

- “What is Technical English and Why Should You Learn it?”- Akif Ahmadzada,
LinkedIn.com
- Department of Philosophy, Logic and Aesthetics, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca,
Spain.
- Dr Chamseddine LAMRI - Dr Faiza HEDDAM - Dr Abdelkader BENSAFA, University of
Tlemcen, Lecture 04.
- Dudley-Evans and St. John, 1998

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Mr. Bensalem N. & Med Amin DJEDI 2023 - 2024
Contact: Bensalem.USTHBenglish@gmail.com