Defining Applied Linguistics

Definition of Applied Linguistics

• Applied linguistics lacks a clear definition, as it means different things to different people (Vivian Cook, 2006).
• The field suffers from a lack of consensus, similar to other academic disciplines in the humanities and social sciences.
• The nature of applied linguistics is disputed, making it difficult to agree on what is being applied.

Various Definitions of Applied Linguistics

• A mediation between theory and practice (Kaplan and Widdowson, 1992).
• A synthesis of research from multiple disciplines, including linguistics (Hudson, 1999).
• It requires knowledge of linguistics, as one cannot apply what one does not know (Corder, 1973).
• An open field committed to the value of dialogue with people who are different (Rampton, 1997).
• A critical approach that opens up new questions and concerns, including identity, sexuality, access, ethics, and more (Pennycook, 2004).

Introductions and Collections in Applied Linguistics

• Most introductions and collections use applied linguistics concerns and activities to illustrate and analyze methods and purposes (e.g., van Els et al., 1984; Davies et al., 1999; Spolsky, 1999; Schmitt, 2002; Cook, 2003; Davies and Elder, 2004; Sealey and Carter, 2004; Kaplan and Baldauf, 2005).
• This approach is known as ostensive definition, where the meaning of applied linguistics is defined through examples and illustrations.