BRIDGING LANGUAGE AND LAW: THE IMPORTANCE OF LEGAL ENGLISH FOR ESL STUDENTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46991/FLSP.2025.25.016Keywords:
English as a Second Language (ESL), Legal English, lingua franca, analytical tool, context, spectrum, legal styleAbstract
Legal English plays a cornerstone role in the academic and professional development of ESL (English as a Second Language) students studying law or law-related disciplines.
This article examines the importance of legal English proficiency, emphasizing its impact on students' comprehension of legal texts, participation in academic discussions, and development of future professional competencies.
Legal language is characterized by a specialized vocabulary, complex syntactic structures, and culturally embedded concepts, which often pose significant challenges for ESL learners. The article argues that insufficient mastery of legal English can hinder students’ analytical skills, legal reasoning, and effective communication in both written and oral contexts. Moreover, it highlights the need for targeted pedagogical approaches that integrate language instruction with legal content, enabling ESL students to bridge the gap between general English proficiency and the demands of legal discourse. By emphasizing the link between legal English competence and academic success, this study advocates for the inclusion of specialized legal English courses in law curricula. Such integration is essential not only for improving academic performance but also for preparing ESL students to operate confidently and ethically in international and multilingual legal environments.
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