To say that English has become an integral part of professional and academic contexts is as much of a cliche as it is an understatement. Let us then dig beyond these simplifications and discuss the many fascinating ways in which this language shapes the academia and professional world while being simultaneously shaped by its users of various backgrounds as they go about their daily business in these spheres.

Key themes for the papers and posters in the individual sections include:

• new as well as well-established genres
• intercultural communication
• code-mixing and code-switching
• pedagogical implications and best practices

and many more. See our topic areas for further information.

Didactics of English for Specific Purposes (ESP)

The section is dedicated to exploring innovative approaches, tools, and methodologies that enhance the teaching and learning of ESP. Designed to offer a space for educators to exchange insights and best practices, it focuses on creating effective, learner-centred curricula tailored to the unique needs of students preparing for academic and professional settings. The topics will range from integrating technology and authentic materials to teaching discipline-specific vocabulary and fostering critical thinking skills.

In addition to providing teachers with practical strategies to improve learner engagement, autonomy, and performance, this section seeks to cultivate collaboration and dialogue between educators, researchers, and curriculum designers in the field of ESP. By addressing topics such as the use of digital tools and formative assessment strategies in teaching, participants will gain new perspectives on improving lesson effectiveness and impact. Whether exploring innovative course design or examining the role of feedback in language acquisition, it aims to provide actionable insights, enabling educators to refine their teaching practices while meeting the evolving demands of both students and their respective fields.

Topics:

• Innovative Approaches to Learning and Teaching ESP
• Psychological Aspects of SLA (motivation, learning strategies, foreign language anxiety, …)
• Integrating Technology in ESP Classrooms
• Assessing Foreign Language Skills and Knowledge
• Effective Approaches to Teaching ESP
• Designing Materials in Academic and Professional Contexts
• Designing ESP Courses in Higher Education
• Enhancing Learner Autonomy in Foreign Language Education
• Effective Feedback Strategies for ESP Students
• Adapting ESP Materials for Online and Blended Learning Environments

Linguistics with Special Focus on ESP

Ongoing research in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is crucial for keeping pace with the evolving demands of professional communication. In the realm of linguistics, it offers practical and valuable insights into fundamental questions of linguistic theory. It challenges and refines our understanding of language variation, genre conventions, pragmatics, and discourse structures.  At the same time, it provides real-world data that reflect the intricate relationships between language, context, and cognition in specialized domains.

The section offers an opportunity to explore how theoretical linguistics intersects with the practical applications of specialized language use, especially in relation to language structure, meaning, and discourse. The participants may address such issues as language variation, genre theory, pragmatics, and discourse analysis.

We welcome papers on ESP and Academic English including (but not limited to):

• ESP and Linguistic Variation
• Approaches to Genre in ESP
• Pragmatics and ESP: The Role of Context in Meaning Construction
• Discourse Analysis and the Structure of Specialized Communication
• Corpus Linguistics and ESP
• Conversation Analysis

Global Perspectives in Cultural Studies and Intercultural Communication

With the advent of globalization, the significance of cultural studies and intercultural communication has dramatically increased. Interactions among professionals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds have become commonplace. Furthermore, these interactions — whether in business, research, or academia — are often influenced by local customs, specific cultural nuances, and, in many instances, recent historical and political contexts. Consequently, the ability to navigate these complex interactions has become a crucial component of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and an essential skill for university graduates as well as seasoned specialists.

The topics may encompass, but are not limited to:

• Intercultural communication (specifics, challenges, teaching)
• Teaching cultural studies at university
• Cultural impact of technological innovations
• Transnationalization, migration, and cross-border issues/identities
• Multiculturalism
• Cultural minefields
• Changing world (habits, customs, borders)

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Registration fee

Participants are expected to pay the registration fee by 1. 12. 2025.

For participants from the Czech Republic: CZK 2500 (including VAT)

For participants from abroad: EUR 100 (including VAT)

The price covers admission to the conference, a book of abstracts, conference materials, refreshments at coffee breaks and an informal reception. Registration fees are non-refundable.

Methods of payment:

Registration fees should be paid by bank transfer.

Bank payment information for CZK

Account holder: 

Vysoké učení technické v Brně

Antonínská 548/1, 602 00 Brno-Veveří

Bank address: 

Československá obchodní banka a.s.

Radlická 333/150

150 57 Praha 5

Account number: 111044161/0300

Variable symbol: 182503001

Payment identification: the participant’s name and surname and/or sending organization

IBAN: CZ04 0300 0000 0001 1104 4161

SWIFT Code: CEKOCZPP

Bank payment information for EUR

Account holder: Vysoké učení technické v Brně

Antonínská 548/1, 602 00 Brno-Veveří

Bank address: Československá obchodní banka a.s.

Radlická 333/150

150 57 Praha 5

Account number: 1017712113/0300

Variable symbol: 182503001

IBAN CZ24 0300 0000 0010 1771 2113

SWIFT Code CEKOCZPP

Billing details

Brno University of Technology

Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication

Department of Languages

Technická 10

616 00 Brno

IČ 00216305

DIČ CZ00216305

Department of Foreign Languages

Technická 3058/10
616 00 Brno
Czech Republic

Web: www.ujaz.fekt.vut.cz
E-mail: eapc26@fekt.vut.cz