What is applied linguistics and its Areas?

Definition: The study of language for its practical uses, for example in teaching or speech therapy The use of language-related research in a wide variety of fields, including language acquisition, language teaching, literacy, literary studies, gender studies, speech therapy, discourse analysis, censorship, workplace communication, media studies, translation studies, lexicography, and forensic linguistics. History The tradition of applied linguistics established itself in part as a response to the narrowing of focus in linguistics with the advent in the late 1950s of generative linguistics, and has always maintained a socially accountable role, demonstrated by its central interest in language problems. Although the field of applied linguistics started from Europe and the United States, the field rapidly flourished in the international context. Applied linguistics first concerned itself with principles and practices on the basis of linguistics. In the early days, applied linguistics was thought as linguistics-applied at least from the outside of the field. In the 1960s, however, applied linguistics was expanded to include language assessment, language policy, and second language acquisition. As early as the 1970s, applied linguistics became a problem-driven field rather than theoretical linguistics. Applied linguistics also included solution of language-related problems in the real world. By the 1990s, applied linguistics has broadened including critical studies and multilingualism. Observations:

"Applied linguistics began life in the 1950s as a postgraduate qualification. Its initial target, largely language teaching, has always been practical, policy-oriented. Its preparation at postgraduate level has been multidisciplinary and, as in mathematics, there is a continuing tension between pure (general, theoretical) linguistics and applied

linguistics. It does not expect its conclusions to be buttressed with certainty (and it is unclear whether theoretical linguistics or any other social science can expect that, either). For applied linguistics, there is no finality: the problems such as how to assess language proficiency, what is the optimum age to begin a second language, what distinguishes native and non-native speakers, how we can treat memory loss, these problems may find local and temporary solutions but the problems recur. No doubt, once again, the same may be said of theoretical linguistics: whether all grammars are fundamentally one grammar; what the relation is between the sign and the referent; answers are partial, never final--the problems remain."(Alan Davies, An Introduction to Applied Linguistics: From Practice to Theory, 2nd ed. Edinburgh Univ. Press, 2007) "[A]pplied linguistics is an area of work that deals with language use in professional settings, translation, speech pathology, literacy, and language education; and it is not merely the application of linguistic knowledge to such settings but is a semiautonomous and interdisciplinary . . . domain of work that draws on but is not dependent on areas such as sociology, education, anthropology, cultural studies, and psychology."

(Alastair Pennycook, Critical Applied Linguistics: A Critical Introduction. Routledge, 2001) Applied Linguistics Today Over the intervening years, the foci of attention have continued to broaden. Today the governing board of AILA describes applied linguistics 'as a means to help solve specific problems in societyapplied linguistics focuses on the numerous and complex areas in society in which language plays a role.' * There appears to be consensus that the goal is to apply the findings and the techniques from research in linguistics and related disciplines to solve practical problems. To an observer, the most notable change in applied linguistics has been its rapid growth as an interdisciplinary field. In addition to foreign language teaching and machine translation, a partial sampling of issues considered central to the field of applied linguistics today includes topics such as language for special purposes (e.g. language and communication problems related to aviation, language disorders, law, medicine, science), language policy and planning, and language and literacy issues. For example, following the adoption of English as the working language for all

international flight communication by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), some applied linguists concerned themselves with understanding the kinds of linguistic problems that occur when pilots or flight engineers from varying backgrounds communicate using a nonnative language and how to better train them to communicate in English more effectively. Applied Linguistics:

Examines the structure of language and its role in communication Explores how children acquire language Studies how the skills of second-language speakers develop Investigates how the social or cultural environment interacts with language

Why Applied Linguistics at Brock?

Develop a strong foundation in the structure of language and its role in communication Gain practical knowledge through clinical observations Complete qualifications that provide access to accreditation in Adult ESL through TESL Ontario

Our work covers a range of exciting research areas with particular foci as follows:

Academic and professional literacies, including digital literacy development of teachers English in a global context: the role, status and use of English around the world in the era of globalisation including the use of English as a language for international development, and English and the language of social media

Language and creativity Metaphor and empathy Literary reading and interpretation Children's informal language and literacy practices; children's literature Language, literacy and learning in a digital world Multimodal meaning making, including in early years and inclusive education, as well as foreign and second languages

Foreign and second language learning and teaching in a range of contexts, including independent learning, the application of new technologies, culture and language learning; learner autonomy, motivation and strategies

Language as a social semiotic tool for teaching and learning

Key facts

You will have the opportunity to work with leading researchers in their fields We have approximately 15 PhD students studying with us, forming a strong research student community

Students participate in a wide range of academic and social events