Comprehensive Notes on Applied Linguistics

Introduction to Applied Linguistics

What is Applied Linguistics (AL)?

  • AL addresses social problems involving language.
  • Examples of AL's concerns:
    • Improving language teaching.
    • Diagnosing speech pathologies.
    • Enhancing translator and interpreter training.
    • Creating valid language exams.
    • Evaluating bilingual programs.
    • Determining population literacy levels.
    • Analyzing and discussing language in texts.
    • Advising on introducing new mediums of instruction.
    • Comparing the acquisition of different languages.
    • Providing advice on the authenticity of police transcripts (forensic linguistics).

Key Questions Addressed

  • What defines applied linguistics?
  • How does it differ from general linguistics?
  • What distinguishes AL from second/foreign language teaching?

Defining Applied Linguistics

  • Vivian Cook: "Applied linguistics means many things to many people" (Cook, 2006).
  • AL doesn't have a universally accepted definition.

Origin of the Term

  • 'Applied Linguistics' is an Anglo-American term.
  • First established at the University of Edinburgh School of Applied Linguistics in 1956.
  • Followed by the Center of Applied Linguistics in Washington D.C. in 1957.

Definitions of AL

  • Brumfit (1997, p. 93): "the theoretical and empirical investigation of real-world problems in which language is a central issue."
  • Schmitt and Celce-Murcia (2002, p. 1): Using knowledge about language, language learning, and language use to achieve a purpose or solve a real-world problem.
    • Traditionally focuses on second language acquisition theory, second language pedagogy, and their interface.
  • Grabe (2002, p. 9): Focuses on resolving language-based problems encountered by learners, teachers, lawyers, service providers, policy developers, and others.
  • International Association for Applied Linguistics (AILA): An interdisciplinary field addressing practical problems of language and communication.
  • Longman dictionary of language teaching and applied linguistics (2010):
    • The study of second and foreign language learning and teaching.
    • The study of language and linguistics in relation to practical problems.

What Makes Applied Linguistics 'Applied'?

  • Applied subjects in higher education:
    • Disciplinary: Focuses on practical applications of a single branch of academic knowledge (e.g., applied mathematics).
      • Example: Applied mathematics uses mathematical theories to solve practical problems in engineering, computer science, and economics.
    • Interdisciplinary: Has no pure theoretical equivalents and focuses on a broad practical domain (e.g., education, engineering).
      • Example: Education addresses problems related to teaching and learning, drawing from psychology, sociology, philosophy, economics, and politics.

Applied Linguistics as a Field

  • AL isn't a branch of linguistics or any single academic discipline.
  • AL is an academic area with its concerns, journals, associations, qualifications, and professional pathways.
  • Applied linguists view linguistics as a primary source of intellectual inspiration.
  • They also draw insights from biology, cultural studies, economics, education, philosophy, politics, psychology, and sociology.
  • Some approaches in 'critical' applied linguistics use theoretical concepts from postmodernist critical theory.

Scope of Applied Linguistics

  • Encompasses language teaching and learning, and real-world problems where language is central.

Language Teaching and Learning

  • AL is the academic study of second language learning and teaching.
  • Early focus in the 20th century was on foreign language learning and teaching.
  • Experienced language teachers often pursue master's degrees for professional development.
  • Specific attention is paid to:
    • Curriculum, syllabus, and materials design.
    • Language teaching methodology and classroom management.
    • Teaching the four 'macro' skills.
    • Pronunciation.
    • Language testing.
    • Teacher education.
  • Decisions about what and how to teach are based on understanding what language is and how learners learn it.
  • This involves:
    • Semantics and Pragmatics.
    • Psycho-linguistics.
    • Socio-linguistics.
    • Discourse analysis.
    • Phonetics, Morphology, Phonology and Syntax.

Mainstream Education Context

  • Mainstream education refers to state-funded and influenced educational contexts.
  • Micro level:
    • Diagnosing and addressing communication problems in professional and workplace settings (including intercultural communication).
  • Research areas:
    • Bilingualism and multilingualism and their relation to schooling and first language literacy education.
  • Macro level:
    • Analysis of national and international language planning and policy issues.
    • Language maintenance and loss.
    • Promoting linguistic human rights.

Issues of Justice and Equity

  • Forensic Linguistics: Applying linguistic knowledge to legal processes.
  • Critical Discourse Analysis: Identifying and critiquing linguistic choices that manipulate public opinion, promote powerful groups' interests, and oppress/discriminate against others.

Other Content Areas

  • Translation Studies
  • Lexicography: The study and practice of dictionary compilation.
  • Stylistics: The study of linguistic style variations across literary and other texts.
  • Computational Linguistics: machine translation, corpus linguistics.
  • Clinical Linguistics and Speech Therapy

Two Views of AL

  • Narrow View: AL as the study of second and foreign language learning and teaching.
  • Broader View: AL as the study of language and linguistics in relation to practical problems.