Spoken English Needs of Agriculture Students in Maharashtra: A Comparative ESP Perspective
Author : Dr. Gurpreet Kour and Sheeba Namit David
Abstract :
The ability to communicate effectively in English has become an essential requirement for students pursuing higher education in professional disciplines such as agriculture. In the Indian context, particularly within State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), students come from diverse linguistic and socio-educational backgrounds, which significantly influence their English language proficiency. The present study examines the spoken English needs of First-Year B.Sc. (Agriculture) students in Maharashtra, with a comparative focus on urban and semi-urban institutions. Using classroom observations, focus group discussions, and learner perceptions, the study identifies psychological, pedagogical, and institutional factors affecting spoken English development. The findings reveal that semi-urban students face greater challenges due to limited exposure, higher language anxiety, traditional teaching practices, and inadequate infrastructural support. The study underscores the need for curriculum reform, ESP-oriented instruction, and communicative pedagogy to enhance oral proficiency among agriculture students.
Keywords :
English for Specific Purposes, Spoken English, Agriculture Students, Semi-Urban Learners, Communicative Competence.
