Theoretical Foundations in Applied Linguistics

Applications of Linguistic knowledge to eflPontificia Universidad Catlica de ChileFacultad de LetrasMAAL EFLMarch2015Course overviewGENERAL OBJECTIVETo acquire a general overview of the application of linguistic theory to different fields related to EFL.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES1. To define Applied Linguistics as a science, setting their goals and theories and its connections to theoretical linguistics.2. To analyze the fields that are the very core of EFL Applied Linguistics : language acquisition, foreign language learning and teaching, language pathologies, lexicogrammar, language planning and policies, among others.3. To study the possible contributions of this Masters in Applied Linguistics to the professional development of each participant.Course overviewCONTENTS- Linguistics and Applied Linguistics as a science: theoretical underpinnings and its scope.

- Foreign language learning and teaching.

- Applied linguistics and language pathology

- Applied linguistics and lexicogrammar.

- Applied linguistics and language planning

Course overviewASSESSMENT- 2 READING ASSIGNMENTS 20% (April 6th or April 13th / May 4th) - 1 TAKE HOME TEST 20% (May 25th) - 1 ORAL PRESENTATION 20% (June 15th & 22nd) - 1 RESEARCH PAPER 40% (July 1st)

Towards a definition of ALThe theoretical and empirical investigation of real-world problems in which language is a central issue. (Broomfit, 1995)

A practice-driven discipline that addresses language-based problems in real-world contexts. (Grabe, 2002)

The pragmatically motivated study of language (Bygate, 2005) (Pragmatically: address and not only describe)

A broad interdisciplinary field of study concerned with solutions to problems or the improvement of situations involving language and its users and uses. (Berns, 2006)

Consequences of AL as a disciplineThe recognition of locally situated contexts for enquiry and exploration, and thus the importance of needs analyses and variable solutions in different local contexts.

The need to see language as functional and discourse based, thus the reemergence of systemic and descriptive lingusitics as resources for problem-solving.

The recognition that no one discipline can provide all the tools and resources needed to address real-life problems.

The need to recognize and apply a wide array of research tools and methodologies to address locally situated language problems.

(Grabe, 2002)

Aspects to considerAL has many markings of an academic discipline: journals, research, etc.

Linguistics as core knowledge

Grounded in real-world, language-driven problems and issues

Incorporates other disciplines

Includes a core set of issues to address

Includes sub-fields

Additional fields Main areasLearner and user groupsChild Language,Adult Language LearningSign LanguageAnalytical procedures or methodsContrastive Linguistics and Error AnalysisDiscourse Analysis,Rhetoric and StylisticsInformation transfer and interpersonal communicationLanguage and EcologyLanguage and GenderLanguage and the MediaPsycholinguistics and Second Language Acquisition Cognitive processes.Language problems in professional contextsForensic LinguisticsInterpreting and Translating,Communication in the ProfessionsMain AreasInstructional issuesLiteracyImmersion EducationLearner Autonomy in Language LearningForeign Language Teaching Methodology Teacher EducationEducational Technology and Language LearningMother Tongue Education

Language use, learning, and developmentLanguage PlanningLanguage and Education in MultilingualSettingsLanguage Contact and Language Change IssuesThe relationship of applied linguistics to linguistics proper

The scope of activities in the ambit of applied linguistics

The meaning of the term applied linguistics.Linguistics and Applied LinguisticsParent and child: strong dependence / linguistics appliedAutonomous ALAL: applied linguists are linguists engaged in application: connection to other fields

Applied linguists seek out the expertise of others but also can be called upon as consultants.Consulting tasks can range from advising a defense lawyer on the authenticity of the transcript of a suspects confession to evaluating a school language program. They provide information to help those involved in the problem solving better understand the issues, provide an explanation of what is involved, set out options for resolution, and suggest implications: a mediator between theory and practice who enables the contribution of one to the other.

Four levels of AL researchInteraction with relevant individuals and groups from outside the academyA reflective evaluative stance towards the discipline Differences of perspectives in ALThe specificity of pragmatic objectivesThe manner and extent to which it engages with its non-applied linguistic community of reference The extent to which it highlights the development of a body of expert theory and methodThe extent to which it identifies a space in which they feel willing and justified in asserting their authority.

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