What kind of field of study is applied linguistics?
An interdisciplinary field of research & practice
What problems does applied linguistics deal with?
- Practical problems of language & communication
- Language & language-related problems in specific situations people use and learn languages
- The study of language & linguistics in relation to practical problems
What is Chris Brumfit’s definition of applied linguistics?
The theoretical & empirical investigation of real-world problems in which language is a central issue
What do the first type of applied subjects focus on?
The practical applications of a single branch of academic knowledge
E.g.: Applied mathematics studies how mathematical theories, concepts & processes can be used to solve practical problems.
What do the second type of applied subjects focus on?
They have no ‘pure’ or ‘theoretical’ equivalents
They focus on a single (although often very broad) practical domain
What fields do applied linguists look to for relevant insights into real-world language problems?
- biology
- cultural studies
- economics
- education
- philosophy
- politics
- psychology
- sociology
Among others.
Is applied linguistics a branch of linguistics?
No, and it’s not of any other academic discipline for that matter
