NUR HASANAH                                            Topics in Applied Linguistics

2201409067                                               Rombel 405-406

1.   Definitions of Applied Linguistics

·                The branch of linguistics concerned with practical applications of language studies, with particular emphasis on the communicative function of language, and including such professional practices as lexicography, terminology, general or technical translation, language teaching (general or specialized language, mother tongue or second language), writing, interpretation, and computer processing of language. (BTB Translation Bureau Canada). Retrieved from http://hompage.ntlworld.com/vivian.c/AppliedLinguitics/ApplingDefining.htm)

·                Applied Linguistics (AL) provides the theoretical and descriptive foundations for the investigation and solution of language-related problems, especially those of language education (first-language, second-language and foreign-language teaching and learning), but also problems of translation and interpretation, lexicography, forensic linguistics and (perhaps) clinical linguistics.’ (Dick Hudson’s online survey of  BAAL British Association of Applied Linguistics members). Retrieved from http://hompage.ntlworld.com/vivian.c/AppliedLinguitics/ApplingDefining.htm)

·                ‘Applied Linguistics itself may be seen as an autonomous, problem-solving disciple, concerned broadly with language (mainly, but not exclusively second language) education and language problems in society’ (Steve McDonough, 2002). Retrieved from http://hompage.ntlworld.com/vivian.c/AppliedLinguitics/ApplingDefining.htm)

2.    a)The similarities

those definitions state that:

-      applied linguistics relate to the language professional practice,

-      applied linguistics concern with the languange education (first language, second language and its learning).

b) The difference

- BTB                 : emphasis on the communicative function of language

- BAAL               : emphasis on the language education problem

- Steve McDonough: emphasis on the language in society

3.   The scope of applied linguistics are:

a.     Applied Linguistics is the utilization of the knowledge about the nature of language achieved by linguistic research for the improvement of the efficiency of some practical task in which language is a central component.” (Corder, 1974, p. 24)

b.     Whenever knowledge about language is used to solve a basic language-related problem, one may say that applied linguistics is being practiced. Applied Linguistics is a technology which makes abstract ideas and research findings accessible and relevant to the real world; it mediates between theory and practice.” (Strevens, 1992, p. 76)

c.      Applied linguistics involves: a) what we know about language, b) how it is learned, c) how it is used. The primary concern of applied linguistics has been second language acquisition theory, second language pedagogy and the interrelationship of both areas.