Combining Learner Autonomy and Authentic Written Texts for the Acquisition of Business English Terminology

Authors

  • Nataša Gajšt University of Maribor

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v18i1-2.10331

Keywords:

Learner autonomy, Authentic written texts, Linguistic competence, Business English terminology, Tertiary education

Abstract

Learning of Business English at tertiary level comprises the acquisition of specific linguistic and general competences together with the ability to learn the language autonomously. This paper presents the results of a study conducted with 123 first-year university-level students of Business English engaged in autonomous learning of business-related terminology by reading authentic business news over a period of five months. The data were collected over three academic years. The students were asked to rate the improvement of their linguistic competence, their attitudes towards autonomous learning and the use of authentic resources, and their improvement of the knowledge of business topics. The results showed that the students approved of reading authentic texts of their own choice as a way to develop their competences. The implication of this study is that autonomous learning should be encouraged and that authentic news articles are a good way to motivate students to learn Business English.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v18i1-2.10331

Journal of NELTA, Vol 18 No. 1-2, December 2013; 65-76

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Author Biography

Nataša Gajšt, University of Maribor

Nataša Gajšt, MA (American Studies) is a lecturer in English at the Faculty of Economics and Business, the University of Maribor (Slovenia). Her professional interests lie in vocabulary acquisition research, corpus linguistics, ESP lexicography and BE materials design.

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Published

2014-05-02

How to Cite

Gajšt, N. (2014). Combining Learner Autonomy and Authentic Written Texts for the Acquisition of Business English Terminology. Journal of NELTA, 18(1-2), 65–76. https://doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v18i1-2.10331

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 1-2 (2013)

Section

Articles

License

© Nepal English Language Teachers’ Association (NELTA)

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The Journal of NELTA is copyright by Nepal English Language Teachers’ Association (NELTA). Apart from citing/referencing in academic works, no part of any materials may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from its copyright owner – NELTA. Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights may be addressed to NELTA or the editorial board at neltaeditorialboard@gmail.com.