Teaching Languages for Specific Purposes following the elimination of the language exam requirement for graduation

Abstract

At universities—including the Faculty of Economics at the University of Pécs—one of the requirements for earning a degree prior to 2022 was that students pass a general higher-level or intermediate-level specialized language (economics, business) exam. For many students, the elimination of this requirement came as a great relief, as many had previously been unable to take their final exams or earn their degrees because they lacked a language certificate. At the same time, however, the repeal of this requirement has led to numerous dilemmas regarding specialised language instruction. Does specialized language instruction still have a raison d’être, and is it necessary now that this criterion—which in many cases posed an obstacle or problem for students—has been eliminated? At the Faculty of Economics of the University of Pécs, the decision was made that specialised language instruction and passing the specialised language exam remain important for students. In the labour market, in economic and business life, and in international circles, the professionals who succeed after completing their university studies are those who possess a high level of language proficiency necessary for their field. This study presents the current structure of specialised language instruction at the Faculty of Economics, as well as students’ opinions and feedback on the newly introduced specialised language requirements.