Abstract
In this article we make a brief review of the literature in the field of teaching French as a foreign language (FLE) and try to give an outline of concepts such as: “French language for specific purposes” (FOS), “French language of specialty” (FS), “French as a professional language” (FLP) and «Competency-based approach». Currently, there is a difficulty in the differentiation of “French language of specialty” (FS) and “General French language” (FG) in terms of purposes, content and the role of the teacher. Moreover, in the light of concepts of the scholars, we try to define the approach of teaching French as a foreign language suggested by Kazakhstani high educational institutions. Last years, the implementation of the “French language of specialty” (FS) to educational process for the non-linguistic specialties has taken special role due to the increasing role of foreign language communication in professional activity. Thus, the implementation of teaching French language of specialty in high educational institutions of Kazakhstan is intended to the integration of students in the professional environment as well as to the enhancement of the competitiveness of Kazakhstani universities. Key words: French as a foreign language, French language of specialty, French language for specific purposes, professionalization of teaching, competency-based approach, non-linguistic specialties.