Communicative strategies in English language teaching for future engineers.

Abstract

In this paper we underline the importance of communication in teaching foreign languages for students studying engineering. Thus, we draw attention to several communication strategies that can be used by experts in teaching English for specific purposes. We have analyzed the efficiency of communication strategies when teaching foreign languages to improve language training of future engineers. Particular attention is given to the topic of verbal communication in the context of teaching English for specific purposes including teaching English for students of technical universities. The article discusses ways to address adaptation of communicative skills of students while studying technical English. Specific training at a technical university is learning English in professional area. This implies a certain format of class activities based on structural exercises aimed at strengthening and generalization in the context of a specific engineering skills, students   probably have or acquire during training. The task of the teacher is to combine technical features with the development of English language communication skills of students at a technical university. The difficulties in the integration process of communication strategies and stiffness of English structures for special purposes can be effectively overcome through the development of new teaching tools related to professional interests of students. Thus, these strategies should be aimed at developing students' communication skills and taking into account technical language training of future engineers. For future research in this area we suggest further development of teaching strategies aimed at improving professional reading skills.