Applied Linguistics: Concepts That Bring Language to Life
Language in the Real World:
Key Concepts in Applied Linguistics
1. Applied Linguistics
The use of linguistic theories and methods to solve real-world problems related to language.
Bridges theory and practice.
2. Second Language Acquisition (SLA)
The study of how people learn languages beyond their mother tongue, focusing on processes, stages, and influencing factors.
3. Language Pedagogy
Methods and principles used to teach languages. Includes curriculum design, material development, and assessment.
4. Error Analysis
A technique to identify, classify, and interpret learner errors in language learning — revealing patterns and informing teaching strategies.
E.g., “He go to school” → missing 3rd person ‘-s’
5. Interlanguage
A learner’s evolving language system that is neither L1 nor L2, but a unique grammar formed during acquisition.
Dynamic and systematic.
6. Contrastive Analysis
Comparing two languages to predict areas of difficulty for learners, especially in pronunciation and grammar.
7. Communicative Competence
Proposed by Dell Hymes, it includes not only grammatical knowledge but also social, strategic, and discourse competence for effective communication.
8. Language Policy and Planning
The development of official strategies for language use in education, governance, and media.
E.g., national language policies in multilingual countries.
9. Language Testing and Assessment
Designing tests that measure language proficiency — including validity, reliability, washback, and fairness.
10. English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
Teaching English tailored to specific professional or academic contexts, such as business, medicine, or aviation.
E.g., "English for Nurses"
11. Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT)
Focuses on real-world tasks rather than explicit grammar instruction. Learners use language to achieve meaningful goals.
12. Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)
Teaching subjects like science or history through a foreign language, integrating content and language instruction simultaneously.
13. Critical Applied Linguistics
Analyzes how language intersects with power, ideology, and inequality in education, media, and policy.
Challenges linguistic discrimination.
14. World Englishes
Recognizes the diverse, localized forms of English used globally, e.g., Indian English, Nigerian English — each with distinct norms and identities.
15. Language and Identity
Studies how language shapes and reflects individual and group identities, including issues of race, gender, and ethnicity.
16. Language Socialization
How individuals learn language and cultural norms through social interaction, especially in childhood or in new environments.
17. Multilingualism and Translanguaging
Explores how speakers navigate multiple languages, sometimes blending them fluidly in communication.
Translanguaging breaks traditional language boundaries.
18. Language and Technology
Use of digital tools for language learning, such as CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning), mobile apps, and AI-based tutors.
19. Discourse in Institutions
Analyzes how language is used in specific settings (e.g., classrooms, courts, hospitals) to maintain authority, roles, and norms.
20. Forensic Linguistics
Applies linguistic knowledge to legal contexts — including authorship analysis, courtroom discourse, and threat assessment.
