2. EAP and teap: definitions English for Academic Purposes refers to language research and instruction that focuses on the specific communicative needs and practices of particular groups in academic contexts (Hyland, Hamp-Lyons, 2002)2. EAP and TEAP: definitions • English for Academic Purposes refers to language research and instruction that focuses on the specific communicative needs and practices of particular groups in academic contexts. (Hyland, Hamp-Lyons, 2002)