Some relationships between objects and needs in an ESP needs analysis

This study explores the possibility of using objects, as described in activity theory, as a measure of “needs” in an ESP needs analysis. The objective is to determine the value of a methodological approach which connects the needs of second language learners with the objects of their work. A single ESP user in a multinational company in Colombia was interviewed and the interview data was subjected to qualitative data analysis procedures. The information was then analyzed through the prism of activity theory to determine the user’s objects. In total, the user completed at work many tasks in English which can be summarized by the three objects of Head Office Tasks, Worker tasks, and Brazil Tasks. Activity theory provided rich information in the analysis by focusing on the user’s tasks and personal motivation. This study shows that activity theory can be a tool in an ESP needs analysis procedure but is limited to its description of the user’s perception of their activities.