Session 5

Question 1

What kind of field of study is applied linguistics?

Answer 1

An interdisciplinary field of research & practice

Question 2

What problems does applied linguistics deal with?

Answer 2

1. Practical problems of language & communication
2. Language & language-related problems in specific situations people use and learn languages
3. The study of language & linguistics in relation to practical problems

Question 3

What is Chris Brumfit’s definition of applied linguistics?

Answer 3

The theoretical & empirical investigation of real-world problems in which language is a central issue

Question 4

What do the first type of applied subjects focus on?

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

What do the second type of applied subjects focus on?

Answer 5

They have no ‘pure’ or ‘theoretical’ equivalents
They focus on a single (although often very broad) practical domain

Question 6

What fields do applied linguists look to for relevant insights into real-world language problems?

Answer 6

• biology
• cultural studies
• economics
• education
• philosophy
• politics
• psychology
• sociology
  Among others.

Question 7

Is applied linguistics a branch of linguistics?

Answer 7

No, and it’s not of any other academic discipline for that matter