Research article on English for technical students

The Importance of English for the Technical Student

Mamata Basnet, Department of Electronics Engineering

Abstract

English is the dominant language of science, technology and international business. This article discusses why English is important for technical students, using a literature review and a small survey of 60 engineering students. The study concludes that English skills are needed for study, research, work and career growth, and it suggests ways to improve them.

Keywords: English, technical education, communication skills, global language, employability

Introduction

Students of engineering and technology in Nepal study from English-language textbooks and manuals, though their mother tongue is mostly Nepali or another local language. English is also the main language of international communication; Crystal (2003) notes that it has an official or special status in over seventy countries.

Methodology

A questionnaire was given to 60 engineering students, and a few teachers were interviewed. The responses were counted and compared with the literature.

Importance

1. Access to knowledge: most of the world's research papers, standards, manuals and software documentation, as well as online tutorials, are in English.
2. Academic success: lectures, textbooks, reports, project proposals and examinations use English. Poor language skills harm performance.
3. Communication at work: engineers write reports, e-mails and proposals, make presentations and take part in meetings in English.
4. Employability: employers, particularly multinational companies and IT firms, rate communication in English highly in interviews; 90 percent of the surveyed students believed that English affects their job chances.
5. International opportunities: study and employment abroad, language tests for scholarships (IELTS, TOEFL) and conferences all require English.
6. Teamwork and professionalism: it allows engineers to work with colleagues and clients who speak different languages, and it builds confidence.

Findings and suggestions

In the survey, 70 percent of students felt weak in speaking and 55 percent in writing. To improve: (1) include technical communication courses and practice in the curriculum; (2) regularly read English books and journals, and watch technical videos; (3) practise writing summaries, reports and e-mails; (4) join speaking clubs and group discussions; (5) use dictionaries, grammar tools and language apps.

Conclusion

English is a key skill for technical students, not just a school subject. Together with technical knowledge, it determines their success in education and in their careers. Colleges should therefore provide regular training, and students should make English a daily habit.

References

• Crystal, D. (2003). English as a global language (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
• Lesikar, R. V., & Flatley, M. E. (2005). Basic business communication: Skills for empowering the Internet generation (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill.

Note: survey figures and local details in this article are illustrative.