Translation as a Fifth language Skill in an ESP Classroom

Abstract

English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is a sub branch of English language teaching that focuses mainly on a specific subject matter in relation to the learners’ needs and purposes in using the language. However, studying ESP is not only learning about the language, it is moreover, about learning how to use English and become communicatively competent in the students’ target discourse communities. This present research paper is a case study to investigate the efficiency of incorporating Translation techniques in ESP classroom. Additionally, it examines the rationale for using the translation method to teach ESP to third-year Dental surgery at the faculty of medicines at the University of Tlemcen. For obtaining the reliable answers to the research questions and cross check the results; a mixed method approach is used and data collection process was carried out by means of two research tools. Therefore questionnaire was administered to forty (40) students and the interview to five (05) teachers of ESP in the faculty of medicines. The results obtained revealed that Students of third-year dental surgery face a range of difficulties while interacting with professional resources. These obstacles exist at the content level, as well as the teaching approach they were exposed to during their studies. The proposed translation method in ESP may be incorporated and adapted as an effective technique for ESP teachers and students to improve learners’ language skills related to their academic field