Needs Analysis for ESP: Enhancing English Proficiency Among Students at Tashkent Institute of Railway Engineers
Abstract
The increasing globalization of railway engineering requires proficiency in English for technical communication, international collaboration and documentation in this industry. This study conducts a needs analysis to identify the English language requirements of railway engineering students at the Tashkent Institute of Railway Engineering. The data was collected through questionnaires and interviews with students, faculty members and industry professionals. It was decided to use task-based needs analysis approach. The findings reveal that students primarily struggle with productive skills due to a lack of specialized vocabulary. Additionally, a mismatch exists between the current English curriculum and the linguistic demands of the railway sector. Participants emphasized the need for ESP courses that focus on industry-relevant tasks, such as technical communication, report writing, and international project collaboration. Moreover, the study highlights the necessity of designing specialized ESP curricula that bridge the gap between academic language instruction and practical workplace communication. Overall, the recommendations include integrating content-based instruction, communicative teaching methods and professional vocabulary training to prepare students for their future career.