Developing a student’s polycultural identity in ESP learning

Abstract

The study aims to highlight the specifics of developing a student’s polycultural identity in an ESP (English for specific purposes) course. Methods of analysis, synthesis, generalization, and systematization were exploited in combination to study sources on the research problem. Results. It is stated that polycultural identity is one of the main characteristics of a specialist in the technical sphere, allowing them to effectively carry out their professional activities in the conditions of cultural diversity of society. A technical specialist with the developed polycultural identity is able to perceive themselves as a subject of a polylogue of cultures. The main components of forming a polycultural identity of a future technical specialist are outlined. The pedagogic conditions of developing a polycultural identity of future specialist in the technical sphere are considered. The interdisciplinary role-playing pedagogy “Reacting to the Past” as an effective tool in forming a technical student’s polycultural identity is covered. Conclusions. The process of formation of a polycultural identity in the course of ESP in a technical university is a close interrelation of four components: the motivational component, which ensures the appropriation of values of native and foreign cultures, the determination of the individual’s place in the world culture; the content component, which determines the selection of professionally oriented material, facilitating the study of native and foreign cultures in the context of their mutual influence; the procedural component, which determines the place of the professionally oriented approach in education, its interactive methods and techniques (e.g., role-playing method); reflexive, including the individual’s awareness of themselves as cultural and historical subjects and at the same time multicultural subjects.