Language for specific purposes

This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (October 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Language for specific purposes (LSP) has been primarily used to refer to two areas within applied linguistics:

1. One focusing on the needs in education and training
2. One with a focus on research on language variation across a particular subject field

LSP can be used with any target language needed by the learners as a tool for specific purposes, and has often been applied to English (English for specific purposes, or ESP).

A third approach, content or theme-based language instruction (CBI) has also been confused with LSP. These several uses of the label of LSP have caused some confusion internationally.