An Introduction to Applied Linguistics: From Practice to Theory

Alan Davies

Published by Edinburgh University Press 2007

An Introduction to Applied Linguistics

From Practice to Theory

Alan Davies

In the series Edinburgh Textbooks in Applied Linguistics

https://doi.org/10.1515/9780748633562

Overview
Contents

About this book

This second edition of the foundational textbook An Introduction to Applied Linguistics provides a state-of-the-art account of contemporary applied linguistics. The kinds of language problems of interest to applied linguists are discussed and a distinction drawn between the different research approach taken by theoretical linguists and by applied linguists to what seem to be the same problems. Professor Davies describes a variety of projects which illustrate the interests of the field and highlight the marriage it offers between practical experience and theoretical understanding. The increasing emphasis of applied linguistics on ethicality is linked to the growth of professionalism and to the concern for accountability, manifested in the widening emphasis on critical stances. This, Davies argues, is at its most acute in the tension between giving advice as the outcome of research and taking political action in order to change a situation which, it is claimed, needs ameliorisation. This dilemma is not confined to applied linguistics and may now be endemic in the applied disciplines.

The book has been updated throughout and provides an excellent introduction to the problems and issues that arise in the practice of applied linguistics.

Key Features

Surveys current issues in applied linguistics, including the concept of the Native Speaker and the development of World Englishes
Examines the influence of linguistics, cognitive science and philosophy on applied linguistics and makes a contrast with educational linguistics
Proposes that a key issue for the profession will increasingly be the tension between advice and action
Suggests that applied linguistics is a theorising rather than a theoretical discipline.

Feedback on the first edition:

'Alan Davies' introductory text forcefully re-echoes the famous Edinburgh series in applied linguistics, which he contributed to in a major way.'

Applied Linguistics

'Every discipline coming of age needs to reflect on its origins, its history, its conflicts, in order to gain a better understanding of its identity and its long term objectives. Alan Davies, one of the founding fathers of applied linguistics, is the ideal person for this soul-searching exercise ...Introduction to Applied Linguistics is obligatory reading for students and researchers in applied linguistics, for language professionals and for anyone interested in the link between linguistics and applied linguistics.'

Modern Language Review

Topics

Frontmatter Publicly Available Download PDF	i
Contents Publicly Available Download PDF	v
Series Editors’ Preface Publicly Available Download PDF	vii
Preface Publicly Available Download PDF	ix
Acknowledgements Publicly Available Download PDF	x
Abbreviations Publicly Available Download PDF	xii
1 History and ‘definitions’ Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	1
2 Doing being applied linguists: the importance of experience Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	13
3 Language and language practices Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	41
4 Applied linguistics and language learning/teaching Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	63
5 Applied linguistics and language use Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	92
6 The professionalising of applied linguists Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	115
7 Applied linguistics: no ‘bookish theoric’ Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	133
8 The applied linguistics challenge Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	149
Glossary Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	160
Exercises Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	169
References Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	180
Index Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	194

(Deutsch)

Language: English
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
Audience: College/higher education;
Pages
- Main content: 224
Keywords: Language & Linguistics

eBook

Published: July 12, 2007
ISBN: 9780748633562