Shifting Paradigms in English Language Teaching: Mapping English for Specific Purposes through a Hybrid Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Authors

  • Ilham Rahmatullah
  • Riyadussolihatil Ulumi
  • Syarifa Suraiya Rahmani
  • Tari Agustin
  • Karina Septiani
  • Andika Guruh Saputra
  • Aulianisa Briliani
  • Ahza Haikal Rafie
  • Reviana Azzahra Karsena
  • Rizka Maulidya
  • Mohamad Ihsan Yunus

Keywords:

English for specific purposes (ESP); English language teaching (ELT); hybrid systematic review; bibliometric analysis; digital pedagogy

Abstract

This study explored the development and shift of English for specific purposes (ESP) as part of English language teaching (ELT) in the post-2000 digital era. Using a hybrid methodology combining a systematic literature review (SLR) with bibliometric analysis, this study sought to map methodological trends, conceptual orientations, and epistemic shifts occurring within ESP research. The dataset was obtained through a search of the Scopus database, which yielded 9176 initial documents filtered through the PRISMA 2020 framework. The search resulted in a final corpus of 269 articles and 36 studies selected based on their relatedness to the topic for in-depth review. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer to visualize keyword co-occurrence patterns and international co?authorship networks, while CiteSpace was employed to identify citation bursts and thematic evolution over time. The findings reveal a clear shift in ESP from a linguistic-structural focus to a multimodal, technology-integrated, and human-centered paradigm. Recent studies increasingly emphasize AI-assisted feedback systems, data-driven learning, and digital mediation that indicate methodological complexity and ethical awareness in ESP pedagogy. However, research gaps remain in teacher professionalization, cross-regional collaboration, and contextualized hybrid learning practices. This study revealed that post-digital ESP has matured into a techno-humanistic discipline that stressed the importance of understanding digital pedagogy and promoting teacher professionalism across the nations. The study also advances ESP research by providing a comprehensive empirical mapping of ESP–ELT research, integrating digital and ethical dimensions, and proposing a techno-humanistic framework to guide future research, teacher professional development, and educational policy in global ESP contexts.

https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.25.1.41

References

Alharbi, B. (2022). Saudi English for specific purpose students’ attitudes toward the learning of English language: An investigative study. Frontiers in Education, 7, Article 998531. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.998531

Alkhaldi, A. A., Ozdemir, E. A., & Alhasan, R. F. (2022). ESP creative writing from engineering students’ perspectives: A case study. International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, 11(3), 136–146. https://doi.org/10.55493/5019.v11i3.4613

Alkhezzi, F., & Al-Dousari, W. (2016). The impact of mobile learning on ESP learners’ performance. Journal of Educators Online, 13(2), 73–101. https://doi.org/10.9743/jeo.2016.2.4

Amin, E. A.-R. (2025). The impact of augmented reality on vocabulary acquisition and engagement among college ESP students. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 15(2), 414–425. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1502.11

Andrejevi?, D., & Nejkovi?, V. (2022). E-learning web application for teaching English for specific purposes – “English at a click”. Journal of Teaching English for Specific and Academic Purposes, 10(1), 013–029. https://doi.org/10.22190/jtesap2201013a

Arifani, Y., & Suryanti, S. (2019). The influence of male and female ESP teachers’ creativity toward learners’ involvement. International Journal of Instruction, 12(1), 237–250. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2019.12116a

Basturkmen, H., & Wette, R. (2016). English for academic purposes. In G. Hall (Ed.), The Routledge handbook of English language teaching (pp. 164–176). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315676203-15

Bouguebs, R. (2022). Digital literacy importance in ESP teacher education: Perceptions, engagements and reality. In H. Andaloussi (Ed.), ESP teaching today: Current practices, challenges (pp. 120–132). Democratic Arab Center.

Carkin, S. (2005). English for academic purposes. In E. Hinkel (Ed.), Handbook of research in second language teaching and learning (pp. 85–98). Routledge.

Charles, M. (2025). English for academic purposes. In S. Starfield & C. S. Hafner (Ed.), The handbook of English for specific purposes (2nd ed., pp. 247–264). John Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119985068.ch13

Cheraghi, Z., & Motaharinejad, A. (2023). Investigating the challenges of Iranian ESP teachers at medical schools: The role of video presentation on subject related critical incidents. Informatics in Medicine Unlocked, 39, Article 101250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imu.2023.101250

Dong, X., & Kou, Y. (2025). A multimodal discourse-based teaching framework for English in printing and dyeing technology: Bibliometric and simulation approaches. Journal of Language and Technology Studies, 8, 673–698. https://doi.org/10.31881/tlr.2025.038

Dou, A. (2024). Needs analysis of ESP courses from the perspective of students and teachers. Frontiers in Educational Research, 7(6), 132–138. https://doi.org/10.25236/fer.2024.070620

Dragoescu Urlica, A.-A., Coroama-Dorneanu, L.-I., Kamberi, L., & Malenko, N. (2019). ESP for the life sciences: Designing an English textbook for sustainable learning [Conference session]. 13th Quality Research International Quality Conference (pp. 681–686). https://doi.org/10.24874/pes01.02.069

Flowerdew, J. (2016). English for specific academic purposes (ESAP) writing. Writing & Pedagogy, 8(1), 5–32. https://doi.org/10.1558/wap.v8i1.30051

Flowerdew, L. (2012). English for academic purposes. In The encyclopedia of applied linguistics (pp. 1–7). John Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781405198431.wbeal0376

Galloway, N., Sahan, K., & McKinley, J. (2024). English for specific purposes in surging English-medium instruction contexts. Journal of English-Medium Instruction, 3(2), 236–259. https://doi.org/10.1075/jemi.23011.gal

Giang, N. D., Tuan, V. V., & La Minh, B. N. (2023). Investigating demotivating factors in learning English for specific purposes at a higher education institution. Russian Psychological Journal, 20(1), 162–181. https://doi.org/10.21702/rpj.2023.1.11

Guosheng, X., Xiaoyu, Z., & Baihui, Q. (2024). Students’ learning motivation in English for specific purpose in Chinese universities. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 13(5), 3402–3410. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v13i5.29421

Hamp-Lyons, L. (2011). English for academic purposes. In E. Hinkel (Ed.), Handbook of research in second language teaching and learning (pp. 89–105). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203836507.ch6

Harun, L. B., Munir, H., Amin, A., & Astika, S. (2025). Development of student-centered learning-based ESP teaching materials for engineering departments. Journal of Social and Science, 5(8), 3264–3273. https://doi.org/10.59188/jurnalsosains.v5i8.32435

Huang, C., Pun, J., & Huang, J. (2022). Using a mixed-methods needs analysis to ensure the sustainability and success of English for nursing communication courses: Improving nurse-patient engagement practices in globalized health care. Sustainability, 14(21), Article 14077. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114077

Hutchinson, T., & Waters, A. (1987). English for specific purposes. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511733031

Hyland, K. (2014). English for academic purposes. In C. Leung & B. V. Street (Ed.), The Routledge companion to English studies (pp. 392–404). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315852515.ch26

Hyland, K. (2022). English for specific purposes: What is it and where is it taking us? English for Specific Purposes, 66, 80–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2022.01.001

Jiang, L., & Qu, H. (2024). Assessing core competencies of business English students in Chinese higher vocational colleges. Scientific Reports, 14, Article 29328. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-78898-y

Kamberi, L., Dragoescu Urlica, A.-A., & Ameti, M. (2020). On the quality and relevance of English for specific pruposes in higher education. International Journal for Quality Research, 14(1), 303–312. https://doi.org/10.24874/ijqr14.01-19

Karasaliu, A., Pylli, E., & Burda, M. (2025). Preparing real-world professionals: Integrating ESP in higher education through digital media and hybrid pedagogy. Studies in Media and Communication, 13(4), 83–93. https://doi.org/10.11114/smc.v13i4.7637

Kehal, M. (2024). Needs analysis: The cornerstone of effective ESP program development. Annals of Guelma University for Social and Human Sciences. http://dspace.univ-guelma.dz/jspui/handle/123456789/15914

Keshtiarast, B., Salehi, H., Tabatabaei, O., & Baharlooie, R. (2022). Solving ESP problems: Students and teachers’ perceptions of integrating information and communication technology into ESP instruction. Journal of Nusantara Studies (JONUS), 7(2), 444–472. https://doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol7iss2pp444-472

Kholturaeva, G. (2025). Needs analysis and curriculum development in English for specific purposes (ESP). International Journal of Artificial Intelligence, 1(2), 582–586. https://inlibrary.uz/index.php/ijai/article/view/74327

Kourilova, M. (1979). Teaching English for specific purposes. British Medical Journal, 2, 431–433. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.2.6187.431

Leva, B., Oni?, T., Todorovi?, T., Urh, J., & Hazemali, D. (2025). Student perceptions of digital tools in language and translation programs: A survey-based case study at the University of Maribor, Slovenia. Education Sciences, 15(9), Article 1119. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15091119

Liu, Q., Ali, N. L., & Lee, H. Y. (2025). Applying VOSviewer in a bibliometric review on English language teacher education research: An analysis of narratives, networks and numbers. Cogent Education, 12(1), Article 2449728. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2449728

Lyu, E. (2023). Teaching English for specific purposes through case studies: Design, teaching, and evaluation. Journal of Teaching English for Specific and Academic Purposes, 11(2), 307–317. https://doi.org/10.22190/JTESAP230225023L

Mao, Q., & Zhou, J. (2024). A needs analysis of ESP courses in colleges of art and design: Consensus and divergence. PLoS ONE, 19(6), e0305210. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0305210

Marzi, G., Balzano, M., Caputo, A., & Pellegrini, M. M. (2025). Guidelines for bibliometric?systematic literature reviews: 10 steps to combine analysis, synthesis and theory development. International Journal of Management Reviews, 27(1), 81–103. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12381

Mauludin, A., Rachmawati, D., & Prasetyo, I. (2023). An investigation of the students’ perceptions of motivating teaching strategies in English for specific purposes classes. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 20(6). https://doi.org/10.53761/1.20.6.5

Mihai, M., Albert, C. N., Mihai, V. C., & Dumitras, D. E. (2022). Emotional and social engagement in the English language classroom for higher education students in the COVID-19 online context. Sustainability, 14(8), Article 4527. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084527

Mohamed, M., Aljadaan, R., & Al-Ani, H. (2024). Needs analysis of English for specific purposes for health sciences students: A cross-sectional study at a university in the U.A.E. Arab World English Journal, 15(5), 78–94. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1505.04

Nasiri, E., & Khojasteh, L. (2024). Evaluating panel discussions in ESP classes: An exploration of international medical students’ and ESP instructors’ perspectives through qualitative research. BMC Medical Education, 24(1), Article 925. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05911-3

Ng, C. H., & Cheung, Y. L. (2024). Teaching and learning medical English for international medical graduates: A scoping review. Ibérica, (48), 71–96. https://doi.org/10.17398/2340-2784.48.71

Nikolaeva, L., & Synekop, O. (2020). Social aspects of students’ language learning style in differentiated ESP instruction. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(9), 4224?4233. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.080949

Nugroho, A. (2020). Content and language integrated learning practice in English for accounting course. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 9(2), 172–181. https://doi.org/10.15642/IJET2.2020.9.2.172-181

Paltridge, B., & Starfield, S. (2016). Ethnographic perspectives on English for academic purposes research. In K. Hyland (Ed.), The Routledge handbook of English for academic purposes (pp. 218–229). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315657455-21

Qamar, M. T., Yasmeen, J., Sohail, S. S., Madsen, D. O., Zeeshan, S. M., & Zahid, M. (2025). Laughing while learning: ESP learners’ perspectives on teachers’ use of humour in online classrooms. Discover Education, 4(1), Article 321. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00704-2

Sakti, N. S. S., Sarkiah, S., Sukma, S., Amaluddin, A., & Efendi, R. (2024). Redefining ESP: Bridging the gap between traditional methods and modern educational needs. Klasikal: Journal of Education, Language Teaching and Science, 6(3), 806–813. https://doi.org/10.52208/klasikal.v6i3.1164

Si, K., Zhang, Y., & Zhang, D. (2025). English proficiency and national competitiveness in sustainable development research based on a bibliometric analysis. Discover Sustainability, 6(1), Article 547. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01447-8

Silvestre-López, A. J., & Beltrán-Palanques, V. (2019). Conceptual metaphors and emotion expressions in the English for specific purposes classroom. Cultura, Lenguaje y Representación, 22, 135–152. https://doi.org/10.6035/clr.2019.22.8

Soler, J., & Kaufhold, K. (Eds.). (2025). Language and the knowledge economy: Multilingual scholarly publishing in Europe. Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003413066

Supunya, N. (2023). A systematic review on ESP teachers: Current focus, collaboration, and sustainability. REFLections, 30(2), 287–317. https://doi.org/10.61508/refl.v30i2.267295

Tan, S., Bava, M., & Hu, H. X. (2023). A bibliometric analysis of English for specific purposes from 2011 to 2023 using Citespace: Visualizing status, themes, evolution, and emerging trends. Journal of Language and Education, 9(3), 159–175. https://doi.org/10.17323/jle.2023.17632

Väisänen, J. (2025). Leveraging scientific research for business improvement: A PRISMA review [Conference session]. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Education Research, ISCTE-IUL University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal, 2025, November 6–7. Academic Conferences and Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.34190/icer.2.1.4308

Williams, M., Rahman, A., & Sultana, T. (2024). Challenges and opportunities of English as the medium of instruction in diploma midwifery programs in Bangladesh: A mixed-methods study. International Journal of Nursing Education, 13(1), 55–72. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3222188/v1

Yan, H. (2022). A blended system for data-driven learning of English for specific purposes. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 17(12), 121–134. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v17i12.29653

Zainal Abidin, N., Sri Ramalu, S., Nadarajah, G., & Anuar, A. (2025). A bibliometric analysis of cybersecurity behaviour in organization. SAGE Open, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440251361635

Zhang, H., Jin, S.-J., & Du, S.-Z. (2020). Developing a curriculum model of English teaching for master’s degree nursing education in a Chinese medicine university. International Journal of Nursing Science, 2(1), 99–104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2019.12.001

Downloads

Published

2026-01-30

How to Cite

Rahmatullah, I. ., Ulumi, R. ., Rahmani, S. S., Agustin, T. ., Septiani, K. ., Saputra, A. G. ., Briliani, A. ., Rafie, A. H. ., Karsena, R. A. ., Maulidya, R. ., & Yunus, M. I. . (2026). Shifting Paradigms in English Language Teaching: Mapping English for Specific Purposes through a Hybrid Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 25(1), 902–921. Retrieved from http://www.ijlter.myres.net/index.php/ijlter/article/view/2691

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 1 (2026): January 2026

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Ilham Rahmatullah, Riyadussolihatil Ulumi, Syarifa Suraiya Rahmani, Tari Agustin, Karina Septiani, Andika Guruh Saputra, Aulianisa Briliani, Ahza Haikal Rafie, Reviana Azzahra Karsena, Rizka Maulidya, Mohamad Ihsan Yunus

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

All articles published by IJLTER are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No-Derivatives 4.0 International License (CCBY-NC-ND4.0).