Learning for Specific Purposes: Developing Legal Communication Skills through Self-Learning Module

Abstract

Effective communication is a keystone of successful legal practice. This paper explores the potential of self-learning modules to enhance communication skills among law professionals. It examines the theoretical foundations of self-directed learning, the specific communication needs within the legal profession, and the design and implementation of self-learning modules tailored to these needs. The study also evaluates the effectiveness of these modules through a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative assessments and qualitative feedback from participants. The findings suggest that self-learning modules can significantly improve communication skills, offering a flexible and accessible tool for continuous professional development in the legal field. It addresses the unique linguistic challenges faced by legal practitioners, including legal terminology, formal writing styles, and courtroom communication. By analyzing current educational frameworks and incorporating best practices from language acquisition and legal training, the paper proposes a comprehensive development program. This program integrates targeted language exercises, immersive legal contexts, and ongoing professional development. The goal is to empower law professionals with advanced English language capabilities, thereby improving their effectiveness in international legal settings and facilitating clearer, more precise legal discourse.