Islamic Critical English for Specific Purposes (ESP): Fostering Rooted Cosmopolitanism through Internationalization in Indonesian Pesantren

Abstract

This study investigates the implementation of Islamic Critical ESP (English for Specific Purposes) within the context of internationalization in Indonesian Islamic boarding schools (pesantren). Drawing on a qualitative multiple-case study approach and thematic analysis of interview data, documents, and literature, the research explores the general and specific goals of Islamic Critical ESP, teaching methods, content design, and challenges faced in practice. The findings reveal that Islamic Critical ESP in pesantren serves dual functions: enhancing students' global communication skills and reinforcing their religious identity through curriculum integration of Islamic values. Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) emerged as the dominant pedagogical strategy, supplemented by diversified instructional methods tailored to the unique socio-religious context of pesantren. Student motivation and ability disparities, heavy curricular loads, and inadequate policy frameworks are key challenges to the implementation. The study recommends the development of contextualized Islamic Critical ESP modules, collaboration with international Islamic institutions, and the adoption of competency-based assessments aligned with global standards. These findings contribute to the discourse on faith-based language education and offer practical insights for designing bilingual curricula that maintain religious integrity while preparing students for global engagement.