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Applied Linguistics is the study of how linguistics can be used to solve real-world language problems. It is different from theoretical linguistics, which focuses on areas like phonology, morphology, and lexis. There are so many differences throughout applied linguistics, which is in action.
In this article, we’ll explore more about applied linguistics, which helps you to understand language. This is through various pieces of research and practice — including the subjects and history.
What is Applied Linguistics?
Applied linguistics is a subsection of the general field of linguistics. Which, this involves studying and solving real-world language-based problems through research and practice. As an interdisciplinary field, it asks for research methods from multiple areas of study to introduce the answers to people’s lives.
These areas could include work, family, law, technology, and so many more areas. There are also different areas of practical applications of language studies, which could include language teaching, translation and speech therapy.
Importance of Applied Linguistics
Applied linguistics is important because it aims to use science and existing knowledge to solve real-world language problems. This is completed by applying theoretical linguistic knowledge to practical situations. This is involved across different areas, such as language teaching, assessment, policy, and communications.
Within these studies, they try to bridge the gap between academic studies of language and real-world applications in society. The changes impact people’s day-to-day lives. This is why it is important to improve language learning.
What are the Subjects of Applied Linguistics?
When you’re learning applied linguistics, there are many branches or subsections of applied linguistics, which makes the topic even more broad, but even more interesting. Some of these branches include bilingualism, conversational analysis, contrastive linguistics, language assessment, literacies, discourse analysis, language pedagogy, second language acquisition, and so much more.
Under applied linguistics, there are so many subcategories that introduce how you go from languages being acquired and taught as well as being used and compared to each other. In addition, you’ll then understand linguistics from an outside perspective, including translation, literacy, language policy, media and various other mediums. If it uses languages, you can apply linguistics.
History of Applied Linguistics
The Anglo-Americans coined the term Applied Linguistics. It was first founded by the University of Edinburgh School of Applied Linguistics in 1956. Then, it progressed to the Center of Applied Linguistics in Washington, D.C., in 1957. It progressed to be propagated by those who wanted to be scientists.
The British Association of Applied Linguistics was formally established in 1967. The aim of the BAAL was “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”.
As applied linguistics progressed, it also began as the application of insights from structural linguistics. This was first applied to English and then moved to foreign languages.
Theoretical Foundations of Applied Linguistics
Theoretical Foundations of Applied Linguistics refer to the underlying linguistic theories and concepts that inform applied linguistics. This draws context from grammar, phonology, semantics, and language acquisition to provide a framework for understanding and addressing real-world language problems. Here is the overview of key theories in applied linguistics and the connection between theory and real-world application:
Overview of key theories
Throughout applied linguistics, there are many key theories which are important to use to inform the research on language learning, language assessment, curriculum development and even teacher training. So, here are some of the key theories you can utilise within linguistics:
Universal Grammar
Initially proposed by Noam Chomsky, this theory suggests humans are born with an innate capacity for language acquisition due to a set of universal grammatical rules. This allows them to readily acquire any language with minimal exposure.
In this theory, it showcases commonalities and principles between all human languages. This also showcases that children can learn any language at a young age, regardless of exposure to certain aspects of early learning.
Input Hypothesis
Developed by Stephen Krashen, the input hypothesis states that learners progress in their knowledge of their language when they comprehend advanced language input compared to their current level. From Krashen, this was called the level of ‘i+1’, where ‘i’ is the current level and ‘+1’ is the next stage of language acquisition.
The input hypothesis was first published in 1977, and the primary importance on comprehensible input that language learners are exposed to. Understanding spoken, and written language input is seen as the only mechanism that increases the understanding of linguistic competence.
Interaction Hypothesis
Interaction Hypothesis is a theory which was proposed by Michael Long that suggests that language acquisition is significantly enhanced through meaningful interactions. This means that learners can actively negotiate meaning and receive feedback during the conversations, which makes input more comprehensible and enables language development.
This theory also posits that the level of a language that a learner must comprehend it, and the learner can modify their speech to make it more understandable to improve the language in question. The theory existed in the 1980s and has been reviewed by many scholars but is usually credited to Michael Long.
Cognitive Theory
Cognitive theory is the idea that individuals must understand a concept before they can use a language to express it. This theory argues that for people to understand new concepts, they must develop their cognitive abilities and build their mental image of the world.
The main principle of cognitive theory is the idea that children are born with limited cognitive ability. This means that acquiring language is connected to how a learner thinks, perceives and mentally organises the information.
Connection between theory and real-world application
The connection between theory and real-world application is theoretical linguistic knowledge. Which is actively used to analyse and solve practical language-related problems in real-world contexts. This could include language teaching, translation, or speech therapy.
One of the most prominent examples of this could include that a linguist developing teaching methods to improve second language acquisition in a classroom setting. Here are two examples of this:
- Language Teaching
Linguistic theories of second language acquisition directly influence language teaching methods. One of the theories, as previously mentioned, called Hypothesis theory, suggests that language learners acquire language best when exposed to input beyond their current level of proficiency.
According to a 2022 study in Language Teaching Research, classrooms that integrate authentic language input show improved language retention and fluency among learners.
- Translation
Theoretical concepts in semantics and pragmatics guide real-world translation. Linguists rely on understanding the nuances of meaning, context, and culture to produce accurate translations.
For instance, in machine translation, the development of neural machine translation models like Google Translate incorporates theories of syntax and semantics. This helps to enhance translation accuracy. In a 2021 study published in the Journal of Translation Studies, NMT systems consider both contextual and syntactical elements. This significantly improved translation quality compared to earlier rule-based systems.
Key Concepts in Applied Linguistics
Throughout applied linguistics, there are many key concepts which are important to understand when you want to learn more. These concepts help improve your linguistic knowledge, theories, and techniques to solve real-world language problems. Here is some more information about these key concepts:
Language Teaching
Applied linguistics is a field of study that connects language theory that connects language theory with language teaching. Among this, you will investigate theories across language learning and how you can apply the techniques. It also enables you to understand and improve your ability for language teaching practices.
This also bridges the gap between understanding the theory of the languages and the surrounding applications of teaching a second language, like second language acquisition, language assessment, and sociolinguistics, to inform how effective teaching methods are in the classroom or where you are taught the language.
Language Learning & Acquisition
This field focuses on understanding the processes and factors involved in acquiring a second language to inform effective teaching methods and design. One of the most important elements of input comprehensibility is the idea that learners need to be exposed to language slightly above their current level of proficiency to acquire new languages.
Among the theories, throughout linguistics, you can use pronunciation and understand the components of language, which include morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. You can use these throughout to learn languages. These are some applied linguistics principles to improve your second language acquisition.
Sociolinguistics
This enables the relationship between language and society. It also focuses on social factors such as class, gender, ethnicity and cultural context, which influence language use and variation. Some ways include language variation of change. It enables you to meet different social groups and regions. This understanding helps in teaching languages to reflect these variations.
Another factor which is important within sociolinguistics is understanding discourse analysis, it is important to examine how language is used in context. Context is important. This is extremely useful to improve communication in various fields such as education, healthcare, and business.
Psycholinguistics
As you start to integrate psycholinguists, you will be able to understand how people can learn languages, and this is the integration of applied linguistics. Among the first and second language acquisition processes, it also helps teachers tailor methods to understand and help the cognitive ability of the learners.
In addition, with psycholinguistics, you can also understand language disorders and therapy. Among the aphasia, understanding developmental disorders and speech therapy can help you understand more about how you improve communication and speech challenges.
Research Methods in Applied Linguistics
Applied linguistics is a dynamic field that seeks to understand how language functions in real-world contexts. To investigate language-related phenomena, researchers employ various methodological approaches, each with its strengths and focus areas. The three primary research methods used in applied linguistics are qualitative research, quantitative research, and corpus linguistics.
Qualitative Research
Qualitative research is all about depth and detail. Instead of relying on numbers, it explores the richness of human language use through interviews, observations, case studies, and discourse analysis. This method is particularly useful for studying language in social and cultural contexts, allowing researchers to uncover meanings, attitudes, and motivations that quantitative data might overlook.
Quantitative Research
Quantitative research focuses on measurable data and statistical analysis. Researchers use experiments, surveys, and structured tests to gather numerical data that can be analysed for patterns, correlations, and causation.
This method is valuable when investigating large-scale linguistic trends, such as how vocabulary size correlates with reading comprehension in second-language learners. By applying statistical models, quantitative research ensures objectivity and the ability to generalise findings across larger populations.
Corpus Linguistics
Corpus linguistics is a specialised research method that harnesses large digital collections of real-world language data known as corpora. Researchers use computational tools to analyse patterns in written and spoken texts, providing insights into language use, frequency, and evolution.
For instance, corpus studies can reveal how certain words or grammatical structures change over time or vary across different contexts. This method is particularly powerful in applied linguistics, as it allows researchers to base their conclusions on vast amounts of authentic language data rather than intuition or anecdotal evidence.
Job Opportunities for Applied Linguistics
Applied linguistics is a multidisciplinary field that bridges the gap between linguistics and real-world applications, offering a wealth of career opportunities across diverse industries. Below are the key sectors where applied linguistics expertise is in demand, along with insights into the roles and opportunities available:
Education and Language Teaching
One of the most prominent areas for applied linguists is education. Professionals in this sector work as ESL/EFL teachers, curriculum developers, or language assessment specialists. Their responsibilities include designing language programs, teaching second or foreign languages, and evaluating language proficiency. Opportunities exist in schools, universities, private language institutions, and government-supported initiatives like bilingual education programs.
Translation and Interpretation
Translation and interpretation are crucial in facilitating communication across languages. Applied linguists in this field may work as translators, interpreters, or localization specialists, adapting written or spoken content for various cultural contexts. These roles are essential in international organisations, translation agencies, media companies, and multinational corporations.
Technology and Computational Linguistics
The tech industry offers exciting prospects for applied linguists, particularly in computational linguistics and natural language processing. Professionals in this area develop speech recognition systems, chatbots, translation software, and AI-driven tools. Common roles include NLP engineer, language data analyst, and speech recognition specialist. Employers range from leading tech companies like Google and Amazon to startups and research labs.
Research and Academia
For those interested in advancing linguistic knowledge, academia and research provide fulfilling career paths. Applied linguists can work as university lecturers, researchers, or consultants, focusing on areas like language acquisition, sociolinguistics, and discourse analysis. Think tanks, research centres, and universities are the primary employers in this sector.
Government and Policy
Applied linguists play a key role in government and policymaking. They work as language policy advisors, intelligence analysts, or diplomatic linguists, contributing to language planning, multilingualism promotion, and intelligence operations. These roles are commonly found in government agencies, embassies, and non-governmental organisations.
Healthcare and Communication Disorders
The healthcare sector offers unique opportunities for applied linguists to assist individuals with speech and language disorders. Roles such as speech-language pathologists or communication specialists involve helping patients overcome challenges and improve their communication abilities. Hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centres often employ professionals in this field, though additional qualifications may be required.
Corporate Communication and Marketing
In the corporate world, applied linguists contribute as language consultants, cross-cultural communication specialists, or corporate trainers. They enhance communication within global organisations, develop language strategies for international markets, and provide training to employees. Multinational corporations and consulting firms typically seek such expertise.
Publishing and Content Development
Applied linguists with a knack for writing and editing can excel in publishing and content development. Roles like lexicographer, content writer, or editor involve creating educational materials, language resources, and dictionaries. These professionals are employed by publishing houses, digital platforms, and educational organisations.
Forensic Linguistics
Forensic linguistics is a niche field where applied linguists analyse language use in legal contexts. As forensic linguists, legal consultants, or expert witnesses, they help solve criminal cases, interpret contracts, and provide linguistic insights for legal disputes. Law enforcement agencies, legal firms, and academic institutions often hire these specialists.