Prof. HU Guangwei, Department of English and Communication

English for Academic Purposes as a Field of Inquiry and Practice. Interdisciplinary Integration: 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Forum on Cultivating Excellence in Foreign Language Teachers, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China (Online), 13 December 2025.

Abstract
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) focuses on the teaching and learning of English for academic contexts and communication. Since its inception in the 1970s, EAP has undergone significant development over the past five decades, evolving from a practical tool for supporting international students in English-speaking academic environments to a dynamic, research-driven discipline. This keynote examines the influence of globalization, neoliberal economic policies, the rise of English as a lingua franca, and the internationalization of higher education on its trajectory. The presentation begins with an overview of the historical development of EAP and its major influences. It then discusses key theoretical orientations and approaches in EAP, including needs analysis, genre analysis, and the impact of globalization and technological advancements on EAP pedagogy and research. Looking ahead, it explores emerging directions for the field. The session concludes by highlighting the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of artificial intelligence, and calls for continued innovation and engagement in shaping the future of EAP.