Slides relating to the following presentation: Guilbaud, B., Kantus, M. and Tual, D., 2015. What's so special about LSP? (Languages for Specific Purposes). In: Superdiversity in Language Centres, AULC Conference 2015, Cambridge University, 8-9th January 2015. Abstract: Languages for Specific purposes (LSP) are frequently regarded as a sub-category of language teaching, considered to differ from general courses only by presenting a specific terminological focus. Whilst extensive research has been conducted in the field of English for Specific Purposes (ESP), the area of language teaching for specific purposes within other modern foreign languages remains largely to be explored. Within this remit, this presentation sets out to provide a clearer definition of LSP and to establish a more comprehensive set of characteristics. Looking at a national context of increasingly diverse demand from our students and their prospective employers, the speakers will reflect on the role LSP can play alongside general language courses. The multi-faceted dimension of LSP courses will be considered, from their linguistic features to the social and cultural elements they should include. Issues surrounding course design and materials will be also be discussed. Finally, this will lead to a reflection around the tutor’s role and considerations of other practical issues surrounding LSP courses. Examples from existing provisions including engineering and medical language courses, respectively at Cambridge and Manchester Universities, will be used to illustrate some of the points above.

1. What’s so special about LSP?
Benoît Guilbaud - The University of Manchester
Martin Kantus - Cambridge University
David Tual - Cambridge University
(Languages for Specific Purposes)

2. Introduction
LSP & superdiversity
Our provisions
Our purpose today

3. Towards a definition...

5. Towards a definition...
What is it?
Why a LSP provision?
LSP for beginners?

6. Differentiating LSP

7. Differentiating LSP
Horizontal disposition
Vertical stratification

8. Differentiating LSP
Horizontal disposition
Vertical stratification

9. Differentiating LSP
Horizontal disposition
Vertical stratification

10. Differentiating LSP
Horizontal disposition
Vertical stratification

11. Syntactic features Word formation
non-personal constructions (e.g.
passive voice)
nominalizations
pre-modifying constructions compound nouns/adjectives
specific collocations abbreviations/acronyms
... ...

12. LSP in practice
Double diversity
Opportunities for genuine communication
Specific objectives
Para-linguistic content and context

13. A tutor’s guide to LSP
Specialist knowledge
Student-centered by essence
LSP tutor as facilitator
Role reversal
Anxiety

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