Applied Linguistics: Principles, Scope, and Global English Impact

Applied Linguistics

Applied Linguistics is an interdisciplinary field identifying, investigating, and offering solutions to real-life language problems. Related academic fields include: translation, language technology, computer-assisted language learning, second language acquisition, educational linguistics, critical discourse analysis, language policy, situated language practices, rhetoric, and terminology.

Branches of Applied Linguistics

Key branches include: Lexicography, Bilingualism and Multilingualism, Language Assessment, Second Language Acquisition, Discourse Analysis, Contrastive Linguistics, Translation, Conversation Analysis, Pragmatics, Language Pedagogy, Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC), Language Planning and Policies, and Literacies.

Scope of Applied Linguistics

The scope encompasses: Language teaching and learning, Language testing, Psycho- and neurolinguistics, Sociolinguistics, Discourse analysis, Computational linguistics, and Translation studies.

Language Variation

Language variation exists among speakers, demonstrated by differences in sound (phonetics) and structure (grammar). Variations can occur between genders, social classes, and age groups.

Example: Some men and women use different greetings or expressions of disapproval.

Language Teaching

A branch of applied linguistics focused on the learning and teaching of foreign or second languages. Globalization has increased the need for multilingual communication skills.

World Englishes and Language Teaching

English has achieved international status, often used as an official or semi-official language globally. It adapts and changes when adopted by local speakers outside the Inner Circle (native speakers), resulting in varieties like Thai English, Filipino English, and Japanese English. This necessitates replacing the outdated ELT paradigm, which prioritized native speakers, with one that acknowledges local adaptations and equips learners to be effective international communicators.

World Englishes

World Englishes are variations of the English language globally. For example, English spoken in Thailand or New Zealand differs from that in the United States or England, with constant evolution and change.