Communicative Requirements of Legal Internships Abroad and Consequences for ESP Courses at University Level

Abstract

This article describes the communicative requirements of legal internships in English-speaking countries from the viewpoint of German law students. Its factual base is a survey by
questionnaire of the language-related experiences of law students at the University of Münster during their internships abroad, focusing on oral communication. An analysis of the communication constellations they encountered is followed by a description of the communication problems that arose. Didactic consequences for ESP courses aimed at preparing students for these legal internships are then presented.