Language for Specific Purposes in Asia BUDSABA KANOKSILAPATHAM Introduction Asia, the largest of all continents, consists of over forty countries. It is a continent with diverse physical features as well as economic, political, and cultural characteristics. Despite such diversity, five languages are most commonly taught for “specific purposes” because of their political, economic, religious, educational importance, or any combination of these, including English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Arabic. These five languages will be described from the perspectives of their historical development for instruction in the region; the “specific purposes” commonly addressed in language instruction; the scope, methods, and contexts of LSP instruction in Asia; and finally the distinctive features of LSP in Asia. Historical Development of LSPs for Instruction in Asia English has long played a dominant role in Asia (Canagarajah, 1996). The widespread use of English is largely attributed to the power of the former British Empire, as reflected in the continued use of the language in the Commonwealth nation members and in other parts of Asia including India, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia (Evans, 2010). The role of English as an LSP has become well established since the end of World War II, to a large extent because of the growth of technology and commerce dominated by English-speaking countries. As Asian nations have attempted to industrialize and modernize their societies, students have been encouraged to get their education abroad, particularly in English- speaking countries. The result has been an increased demand for ESP and EAP instructions in Asian countries. Returning graduates of educational programs from English-speaking countries have also helped to encourage the demand and interest in English (Tickoo, 1988). Economically, Asia’s major imports are manufactured products from North America, Australia, and Europe. The increasing demand for rapid and massive expansion of inter- national business also contributes to the growth of English as a language for occupational purposes. With new emergent economic powers including India, Malaysia, and United Arab Emirates, there is an increased demand for individuals to have a good command of English for their work. With its pivotal role for academic and occupational purposes, English has become a major factor influencing economic growth, expanding international perspectives, enhancing success in international competition and business operation, and serving as a means to connect with other countries in the region and with the international community (Clayton, 2006). China has become a powerful economic engine since Deng Xiaoping’s economic refor- mation beginning in the 1970s. In fact, China’s economy has in recent years grown at an exponential rate, three times the rate of the United States’s and faster than any other economy (Gu, 2005). China’s remarkable accomplishments at the beginning of the 21st century have turned the country into a center of economic power in Asia, contributing to the promotion of Chinese language popularity both regionally and internationally. Moreover, with impressive profit potential and the low cost base of the Chinese workforce, global The Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics, Edited by Carol A. Chapelle. © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. Published 2013 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. DOI: 10.1002/9781405198431.wbeal0614