Current Trends in Language for Specific Purposes Research and Their Relevance to Arabic for Specific Purposes (ASP): A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The article aims to shed light on the burgeoning trends of Language for Specific Purposes (LSP) on a global scale and their relevance to Arabic for Specific Purposes (ASP). These trends encompass evolving orientations, novel curriculum developments, and pertinent principles guiding their growth. This contribution addresses the theoretical foundation gap evident in the dearth of Arabic for Specific Purposes (ASP) research on an international level. This study used a systematic literature review (SLR) method to adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol model, with the primary data sources comprising reputable scientific journal articles from the Scopus database. Based on 47 articles, the review reveals that the orientation trends span various domains, including academic, business, medicine, nursing, communication, tourism, politics, professional, religious, and technology. The academic orientation holds the highest percentage at 62%. It also shows a significant disparity between English and Arabic in LSP research trends, with English dominating at 96% compared to a mere 4% for Arabic. Notably, ASP curriculum development is characterised by a diverse array of approaches. Researchers have increasingly integrated other frameworks such as Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), Relevance, Integration, Culture, and Holism (RICH), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This nuanced approach ensures a comprehensive development of ASP while acknowledging the linguistic richness inherent in Arabic.