Specialized use of English in architecture, heritage protection and urban planning

Joanna Jabłońska, Dominik Rozwadowski

doi:10.5277/arc140109

Abstract

Between March 10, 2013 and November 30, 2013 the Faculty of Architecture of Wrocław University of Technology organized two series of Englishtaught science seminars, entitled: “Specialized use of English in architecture, heritage protection and urban planning”. The course was designed to address the need to refresh and improve language skills of academics and to exchange experience and knowledge. Each meeting focused on improving language and discussion skills and the topics covered problems related to the profession of architect and urban planner. The instructors and the participants gave talks ranging from history, art, civil engineering, structures to individual research and teaching. Despite the various levels of English proficiency of the participants, which ranged from B1 to C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or from “pre-intermediate” to “advanced” in layman’s terms, the seminars ran smoothly and with mutual understanding. This environment also helped to simulate the atmosphere of international conferences, where scientists from all corners of the world, all taught differently, speak with different accents. The contents and atmosphere of the course encouraged the participants to engage in discussions and openly communicate their opinions. They thought that the course was necessary, interesting, inspiring and useful in their future research.