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The challenge of LSP in languages other than English: adapting a language-neutral framework for Japanese

  • Fumiko Sugie ORCID logo EMAIL logo , Reiko Sato and Akiko Shirabe
Published/Copyright: October 15, 2025
Language Learning in Higher Education
From the journal Language Learning in Higher Education Volume 15 Issue 2

Abstract

The Global Engineers Languages and Skills (GELS) framework, developed as a language-neutral framework of engineering-specific communication skills, was adapted in 2023 for Japanese to address the language’s unique linguistic and cultural features. Adjustments included subdividing beginner levels, adding a guideline for learning the complex writing system, delaying the learning of specialized vocabulary to match the learner’s kanji proficiency, and aligning communication skills with Japanese norms, such as prioritizing harmony and indirectness in interactions. These changes ensure the Japanese GELS framework reflects Japanese learning contexts and supports learners’ progress effectively. This report advocates for language-specific frameworks for Language for Specific Purposes (LSP) that go beyond English-centric models, addressing diverse linguistic and cultural needs and thereby enhancing engineers’ intercultural competence, critical thinking, and diversity management. This report also underscores the need for ongoing updates to frameworks to reflect technological and pedagogical advancements and calls for international collaboration among teachers to promote multilingual awareness. By integrating the Japanese version, the GELS framework expands its scope, better preparing engineers for diverse global environments.

Keywords: engineering communication; language for specific purposes (LSP); Japanese; framework; international collaboration
Corresponding author: Fumiko Sugie, 52862 Centrale Lille , Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France, E-mail:

Acknowledgments

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jamie Rinder, lecturer in English at KTH Royal Institute of Technology and co-founder of the GELS network, for his invaluable guidance during the development of the Japanese version of the framework. We are also grateful for his meticulous and patient proofreading of this article.

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Received: 2024-12-01
Accepted: 2025-08-01
Published Online: 2025-10-15
Published in Print: 2025-10-27

© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

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https://doi.org/10.1515/cercles-2024-0109
Keywords for this article
engineering communication; language for specific purposes (LSP); Japanese; framework; international collaboration

Articles in the same Issue

  1. 10.1515/cercles-2025-frontmatter2
  2. Introduction
  3. Language learning across cultures and continents: exploring best practices of dialogue, collaboration and innovation
  4. Research Articles
  5. Students’ perceptions of a sense of belonging in Language Centre courses – What role do teachers play?
  6. Use of ePortfolios in EAP classes to facilitate self-efficacy through the improvement of creative, organizational, reflective, revision and technological skills
  7. Boosting learner autonomy through a learner diary: a case study in an intermediate Korean language class
  8. Examining the (in)accuracies and challenges when rating students’ L2 listening notes
  9. The relationship between English Medium Instruction and motivation: a systematised review
  10. Generative AI in teaching academic writing: guiding students to make informed and ethical choices
  11. Developing writing skills and feedback in foreign language education with chatGPT: a multilingual perspective
  12. Activity Reports
  13. Fostering sustainability literacy and action through language education: perspectives and practices across regions
  14. Receptive communication skills to support inclusive learning in the multilingual classroom: a workshop for university teaching staff
  15. The challenge of LSP in languages other than English: adapting a language-neutral framework for Japanese
  16. Promoting autonomous learning amongst Chinese learners of Japanese – introducing flipped learning and learner portfolios
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