Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Vocabulary is an essential element of Language for Specific Purposes (LSP) where the communicative needs of learners in academic or professional fields are paramount. Being able to recognize this vocabulary when listening and reading is important, as is being able to use it accurately and fluently in speaking and writing. This entry focuses first on several key concepts about vocabulary for LSP, including its close relationship to the content of a field, ways to identify this lexis, frequency, and the kinds of words that may be specialized such as single words, multiword units, abbreviations, and proper nouns. The second section discusses issues related to teaching and learning vocabulary for LSP, including the importance of background knowledge of a field, the need for more research into vocabulary for specific purposes in languages other than English, how to evaluate pedagogical resources for their selection and integration of vocabulary, and ensuring that assessment of this vocabulary is addressed in course design.</jats:p>