The Educational Advantages of Improving Professional Communicative Competence in ESP Students using Corpus-Based Methods

Abstract

The growing need for professional communication skills in academic and professional settings calls for English for Specific Purposes (ESP) instruction that is more contextual and relevant to students’ fields of study. This study aims to analyze the educational advantages of a corpus-based approach in enhancing the professional communication competencies of ESP students. The study employs a literature review using a qualitative descriptive approach through an analysis of literature on corpus linguistics, data-driven learning (DDL), ESP instruction, specialized vocabulary, genre competence, and language learning technology. The results of the study indicate that the corpus-based approach provides access to authentic language data that can support the mastery of specialized vocabulary, contextual understanding of grammar, genre competence, as well as writing and speaking skills. This approach also fosters student engagement and autonomy through activities that involve exploring and discovering language patterns. However, its implementation requires corpus literacy, pedagogical support, scaffolding, and the use of appropriate technology. Thus, the corpus-based approach can serve as a relevant strategy for linking ESP instruction to real-world professional communication needs.