Abstract
This study investigates the specific language challenges faced by students in various academic disciplines, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative data, analyzed through ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests, revealed significant differences in perceived language difficulties among students in engineering, healthcare sciences, business, and humanities and languages. Students in technical fields, particularly engineering and healthcare sciences, reported the greatest language challenges, especially with mastering discipline-specific terminology and effectively communicating complex concepts. In contrast, students in humanities and languages faced fewer challenges, while business students experienced moderate difficulties, particularly in business communication tasks.
Qualitative data from focus group discussions provided nuanced insights, revealing that students in technical disciplines require more focused instruction on technical language and communication. The findings highlight the need for tailored language instruction that addresses the unique needs of each discipline. This study underscores the importance of adopting discipline-specific language programs to better support students' academic success and professional development.
