Applied linguistics is a field of study that applies the theories and methods of linguistics to real-world problems. It is a broad field that encompasses a wide range of topics, including:
Second language acquisition (SLA): The study of how people learn new languages.
Bilingualism and multilingualism: The study of how people use multiple languages.
Language teaching and learning: The development of methods and materials for teaching languages.
Language assessment: The development of tests to measure language proficiency.
Language policy and planning: The development of policies and plans for the use of languages in society.
Discourse analysis: The study of how language is used in social interaction.
Sociolinguistics: The study of the relationship between language and society.
Psycholinguistics: The study of the relationship between language and the mind.
Forensic linguistics: The application of linguistics to legal problems.
Translation and interpreting: The transfer of meaning from one language to another.
Helpful resources for most discussed topics include:
- L2 Motivation
Dörnyei's L2 Motivational Self System is a popular model that explains L2 motivation in terms of three components: the ideal L2 self, the ought-to L2 self, and the L2 learning experience. The ideal L2 self is the learner's vision of themselves as a competent speaker of the L2. The ought-to L2 self is the learner's sense of obligation to learn the L2. The L2 learning experience is the learner's actual experience of learning the L2.
The Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) is a survey that measures different aspects of L2 motivation, such as the learner's goals, self-efficacy, and anxiety.
The Language Learning Motivational Scale (LLMS) is another survey that measures L2 motivation, focusing on the learner's intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
- Ideal Self
The Ideal L2 Self Inventory is a tool that helps learners to visualize their ideal L2 self. This can be a helpful way to increase motivation and self-efficacy.
The I-Self Journal is a reflective journal that helps learners to explore their ideal L2 self. This can be a helpful way to gain a deeper understanding of one's motivation for learning a second language.
- Teaching a Second Language
The TESOL International Association is a professional organization for teachers of English to speakers of other languages. They offer a variety of resources for teachers, including journals, conferences, and online courses.
The Center for Applied Linguistics is another organization that offers resources for teachers of second languages. They have a website with articles, lesson plans, and other resources.
The National Foreign Language Center is a US government agency that provides resources for teachers of foreign languages. They have a website with research reports, teaching tips, and other resources.
- Identity and Language Learning
The Handbook of Language and Identity is a comprehensive resource for research on the relationship between language and identity. It covers a wide range of topics, from the social construction of identity to the role of language in identity formation.
The Journal of Language, Identity, and Education is a scholarly journal that publishes research on the relationship between language and identity. It is a good source for up-to-date research on this topic.
The Identity and Language Learning website is a resource for teachers and learners interested in the relationship between language and identity. It has articles, lesson plans, and other resources.
- L2 Classroom Research
The American Educational Research Association is a professional organization for educational researchers. They have a website with resources for researchers, including journals, conferences, and funding opportunities.
The Teachers College Record is a scholarly journal that publishes research on education. It is a good source for research on L2 classroom instruction.
The Modern Language Journal is another scholarly journal that publishes research on L2 instruction. It is a good source for research on L2 motivation and identity.
- Reflective Teaching in L2 Classroom
The Reflective Teaching website is a resource for teachers interested in reflective teaching. It has articles, lesson plans, and other resources.
The Reflective Teaching Journal is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles on reflective teaching. It is a good source for research on this topic.
The Reflective Teaching Book Club is a book club for teachers interested in reflective teaching. They meet regularly to discuss books on this topic.
These are just a few of the many topics that are studied in applied linguistics. The field is constantly evolving, as new research and theories are developed.
If you are interested in learning more about applied linguistics, there are many resources available. You can find books, articles, and websites on a variety of topics. You can also take courses in applied linguistics at universities and colleges.
Here are some of the tools and resources that can help you learn more about applied linguistics:
Journals: There are many journals that publish research in applied linguistics. Some of the most well-known journals include:
Applied Linguistics
Language Learning
The Modern Language Journal
The International Journal of Bilingualism
The Journal of Language and Social Psychology
Books: There are many books that have been written about applied linguistics. Some of the most popular books include:
The Routledge Handbook of Applied Linguistics
Second Language Acquisition and Second Language Learning
The Cambridge Handbook of Bilingualism
Language Policy and Planning
Discourse Analysis
Websites: There are many websites that offer information about applied linguistics. Some of the most informative websites include:
The Applied Linguistics Association of America
The Center for Applied Linguistics
The British Association for Applied Linguistics
The European Association for Applied Linguistics
The International Association of Applied Linguistics
I hope this blog post has given you a better understanding of the topics that are studied in applied linguistics. If you are interested in learning more about this field, I encourage you to explore the resources that I have mentioned.