Developing intercultural awareness in English for specific purposes and Translation curriculums

Abstract

In line with the increasing intercultural communication all over the world, development of cultural understanding becomes crucial for learners of English for specific purposes. Irreparable consequences which can result from lack of such understanding especially in case of EAP (English for Academic Purposes), EMP (English for Medical Purposes) and EOP (English for Occupational Purposes) necessitate careful considerations. In this study, we offer how developing cultural competence can be incorporated within an ESP curriculum based on Taba- Tyler’s cyclic 4-stage model of curriculum development. It indicates how cultural competence can be included in statement of course objectives, content specification, learning experiences, evaluation and reformulation of objectives and implementation. It also reveals its implications for the translation curriculum.