Oriental studies is a discipline that primarily focuses on the cultures, languages and societies of countries in Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East. However, the term "Oriental" may connote some cultural or racial stereotypes that are often viewed as offensive and outdated. Hence, there are alternative synonyms used to refer to this field of study, such as Asian Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Islamic Studies, Arabic Studies, Far Eastern Studies, and South Asian Studies. These synonyms are often used interchangeably, depending on the specific scope and focus of the research or education program. Nonetheless, it is important to respect the cultural diversity and avoid any offensive terminology or biases when referring to this discipline.