Functional English is usage of the English language

English language

English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...

 required to perform a specific function. This is typically taught as a foundation subject as a good command of English is often required for academic study

English for Academic Purposes

English for academic purposes entails training students, usually in a higher education setting, to use language appropriately for study. It is a challenging and multi-faceted area within the wider field of English language learning and teaching , and is one of the most common forms of English for...

 and career progression

Business English

Business English is English language especially related to international trade. It is a part of English for Specific Purposes and can be considered a specialism within English language learning and teaching; for example, the teachers' organisation IATEFL has a special interest group called BESIG...

. In some cases, a particular form of technical English may be required for a particular vocation such as aviation. Such specialised usage is known and taught as English for Specific Purposes

English for Specific Purposes

English for Specific Purposes is a sphere of teaching English language including Business English, Technical English, Scientific English, English for medical professionals, English for waiters, English for tourism, English for Art Purposes, etc...

(ESP).