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Introduction to Applied Linguistics

Applied linguistics uses knowledge about language, how it is learned, and how it is used to solve problems in the real world. It began in the 1950s with the University of Edinburgh School of Applied Linguistics and the Center for Applied Linguistics in Washington D.C. The British Association of Applied Linguistics was established in 1967 to advance language education. Applied linguistics focuses on resolving language problems faced by learners, teachers, and professionals through multidisciplinary and problem-solving research. It is related to fields like education, sociology, and psychology and aims to increase understanding of how language functions in different environments.

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796 views2 pages

Introduction to Applied Linguistics

Applied linguistics uses knowledge about language, how it is learned, and how it is used to solve problems in the real world. It began in the 1950s with the University of Edinburgh School of Applied Linguistics and the Center for Applied Linguistics in Washington D.C. The British Association of Applied Linguistics was established in 1967 to advance language education. Applied linguistics focuses on resolving language problems faced by learners, teachers, and professionals through multidisciplinary and problem-solving research. It is related to fields like education, sociology, and psychology and aims to increase understanding of how language functions in different environments.

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meira
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APPLIED LINGUISTICS

What is Applied Linguistics?


“Applied Linguistics is using what we know about (a) language, (b) how it is learned, and (c) how
it is used, in order to achieve some purpose or solve some problem in the real world” (Schmitt &
Celce-Murcia, 2002, p. 1).

When did it all begin?


The term Applied Linguistics (AL) is an Anglo American coinage. It was founded first at the
University of Edinburgh School of Applied Linguistics in 1956, then at the Center of Applied
Linguistics in Washington D.C. in 1957.

British Association of Applied Linguistics


The British Association of Applied Linguistics (BAAL) was formally established in 1967, with
the following aims: “the advancement of education by fostering and promoting, by any lawful
charitable means, the study of language use, language acquisition and language teaching and the
fostering of interdisciplinary collaboration in this study” (BAAL, 1994). It was largely taken for
granted in the 1960s and 1970s that applied linguistics was about language teaching.

The Focus of Applied Linguistics


“The focus of applied linguistics is on trying to resolve language-based problems that people
encounter in the real world, whether they be learners, teachers, supervisors, academics, lawyers,
service providers, those who need social services, test takers, policy developers, dictionary makers,
translators, or a whole range of business clients.” (Grabe, 2002, p. 9).

Defining Characteristics of Applied Linguistics


• Autonomous, multidisciplinary and problem solving
Uses and draws on theory from other related fields concerned with language and generates its
own theory in order to find solutions to language related problems and issues in the real world.
• Practical concerns have an important role in shaping the questions that AL will address.
• Language related problems concern learners, teachers, academics, lawyers, translators, test
takers, service providers, etc.
What is the relationship between AL and other language related disciplines?
Applied linguistics conducts research into professional practice and on the basis of the results
develops theory.

Linguistics and Applied Linguistics


Linguistics is primarily concerned with language in itself and in findings ways of analysing
language and building theories that describe language. Whereas, Applied Linguistics is concerned
with the role of language in peoples’ lives and problems associated with language use in peoples’
lives.

Applied Linguistics is related to :


 Education (teaching, learning, acquisition, assessment).
 Sociology (the scientific study of human behavior and the study of society).
 Psychology (the science of mind and behavior, and the application of such knowledge of
various spheres of human activity).

Major Applied Linguistics Organisations


• TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
• IATEFL: International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language.
• AAAL: American Association for Applied Linguistics.
The Aims of Studying Applied Linguistics
Studying applied linguistics means increasing your understanding of how language works in a
wide range of personal, social and professional environments. It also encompasses how we interact
with each other and how we negotiate and establish identity. With a major in Applied Linguistics,
you’ll learn how to express yourself effectively in written and spoken modes, and how the way
you communicate helps or hinders your relationships. The major in applied linguistics will touch
on practical issues such as the relationship between languages, cultures and societies; the
acquisition of second and foreign languages; the teaching and learning of languages; language
policy; and cross-cultural communication. With these skills, you could find yourself teaching
languages other than English, negotiating business deals or working with primary and high school
students.

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