University Mohamed Kheider of Biskra.

Faculty of Letters and Languages.

Department of Foreign Languages.
Field of English
Master 2

Applied Linguistics Module

Programme Components of the Semester

M. Bechar
 Axis I.
1. Applied Linguistics (Definitions)

2. Applied Linguistics vs. Educational Linguistics

3. Emergence of Applied Linguistics

4. Themes in AL

5. Importance of Studying AL

6. Career Opportunities
 Axis II.
1. Aims of Materials/Coursebooks
2. Roles of Coursebooks
3. Coursebooks: Perfection and/ or Realism?
4. Material Development vs. Material Evaluation
5. Types of ME
6. Material Evaluation: Criteria
7. ME Checklist
8. Guidelines for ME
9. Textbook Adaptation
 Axis III.
1. Syllabus (Definition)

2. Syllabus vs. Curriculum

3. Types of Syllabuses

4. Product-Oriented Syllabuses

5. Examples of PdOS/ Synthetic Approach

6. Process-Oriented Syllabuses

7. Examples of PrOS/Analytical Approach

 Axis IV.
1. CBA Definition
2. CBA/ E: Competency
3. CBA Goals
4. CBA/ E: Novelty
5. CBA/ E: Origins & Scope & Drive
6. CBA/E: Essential Elements
7. CBA/ E: Auerbach’s 8 Key Factors
8. CBA: Learner Assessment
Applied Linguistics

Lecture I.
Axis I.
What is ‘applied linguistics’?

• Applied linguistics is a branch of linguistics where the primary

concern is the application of the linguistic theories, methods and
findings to the explanation of language problems which have
arisen in other areas of experience.
However, if we would like to talk about applied linguistics, we
have to know that it is difficult to define; it has been considered a
subarea of linguistics for several years. It has also been generally
interpreted to mean the applications of linguistic principles or
theories to certain more or less linguistic practical matters such as
second language teaching, teaching of reading, composition and
language arts, speech therapy, speech disorders etc.

subarea of linguistics for several years. It has also been generally

interpreted to mean the applications of linguistic principles or
To put it differently, applied linguistics uses information from

To put it differently, applied linguistics uses information from

sociology, anthropology, and information theory as well as from
linguistics in order to develop its own theoretical models of language
and language use, and then uses this information and theory in
practical areas such as syllabus design, speech therapy, language
planning, literacy, and bilingualism.
To define what applied linguistics is, we have to examine two terms:
linguistics and language. As for linguistics, it is usually defined as
“the scientific study of language”. In other words, it tries to study
language from a scientific point of view with the aim of establishing
language as a scientific phenomenon with its own distinctive rules,
theories, description…etc.
As for language, there are dozens of definitions of language, the
easiest of which is “language is a set of signals by which people
communicate”. This definition contains three important words:
signals, people and communication. Signals mean that language
employs signals (i.e. sound, letters, punctuation marks…) to
establish communication between people.
t of which is “language is a set of signals by which people
The importance of the word people lies in the fact that linguists and
scientists discovered that almost all beings have their distinctive
language that might be clear as in the signal language used by bees,
ants and dolphins. However, human language is different from these
“primitive” languages in two aspects: it is always capable of change
and development and it is very sophisticated.
 What is language ?

However, it is important to point out that the different definitions of

language imply the following facts:
• Language is systematic – possibly a generative system.
• Language is a set of arbitrary symbols.
• Those symbols are primarily vocal, but may also be visual.
• The symbols have conventionalized meanings to which they refer.
• Language is used for communication.
• Language operates in a speech community or culture.
• Language is essentially human, although possibly not limited
to humans.
• Language is acquired by all people in much the same way –
language
and languages learning both have universal characteristics.
Some linguists tried to draw the bounds that separate applied and
theoretical linguistics:
Politzer (1972):
He discussed applied linguistics with particular reference to Foreign
Language Teaching. He noted that applied linguistics in Foreign
Language Teaching requires the use of linguistics to formulate
assumptions about Foreign Language Teaching and learning and also
to devise teaching procedures based on these assumptions: “linguistics
is the source of assumptions rather than the source of conclusions”.
Applied linguistics is not a finite body of knowledge
that can be acquired, it is ultimately a way of using
linguistics conceptualization to define and solve
pedagogical problems.
So, for Politzer , then, there is a definable area called “linguistics”,
and applied linguistics is simply the “process of formulating
possible solutions to specific (pedagogical) problems using
linguistic theory.”
Pap (1972):
He discussed applied linguistics beyond language teaching and
concludes that applied linguistics may in effect be considered a
crossroads or an interdisciplinary area, or a combination of
linguistics with psychology, pedagogy, mathematics, electronics,
politics, science and so forth. Thus he stresses the interdisciplinary
nature of applied linguistics.
Corder (1973):
He, in reaction to the British usage of the term applied linguistics
as synonymous with language teaching, points out that “while
applied linguistics and language teaching may be closely
associated, they are not one and the same activity”.
What are the fields of applied linguistics?

First of all, we have to know that linguistics, in all its varieties, is a

relatively new and growing discipline still in search of stable

philosophical foundations and boundaries.

A classical classification of linguistics divides linguistics into two major

categories:

• 1- Pure ‘theoretical’ linguistics,

• 2- Applied linguistics
The major fields of applied linguistics include the following:
1- The linguistic analysis of language disorders (clinical linguistics).
2- The use of language in mother-tongue education (educational linguistics).
3- The developments in lexicography, translation and stylistics.
4- The teaching and learning of foreign languages.
 Applied Linguistics :Definitions

• Applied linguistics is an area of work that deals with language use in

professional settings, translation, speech pathology, literacy, and
language education; and it is not merely the application of linguistic
knowledge to such settings but is a semi-autonomous and
interdisciplinary . . . domain of work that draws on but is not dependent
on areas such as sociology, education, anthropology, cultural studies,
and psychology.“ (Alastair Pennycook, Critical Applied Linguistics: A
Critical Introduction. Routledge, 2001).
Applied Linguistics (Definition 1 Comment)

• Language Use. Professional Settings, Translation, Speech Pathology,

Literacy, Language Education.

• Semi-autonomous (but not entirely dependent on other disciplines such

as sociology and/ or psychology)
Applied Linguistics (Definition 2)

• Applied Linguistics is concerned with the systematic study of language

structure, the acquisition of first and subsequent languages, the role of
language in communication, and the status of language as the product
of particular cultures and other social groups.

• A background in linguistics is essential for language teachers,

translators, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and many
other language professionals.
 Applied Linguistics (Definition 2 COMMENT)
 Systematic study
 Language Structure (phonology+morphology+syntax+semantics+
pragmatics+ discourse analysis).
 Acquisition of L1 (i.e. How children acquire Home Language) and,
 Learning of Second, Third ... Language(s) (i.e., how L2 LL develop SL skills).
 Role of language in communication (interpersonal + media) (i.e., how social
and/ or cultural interact with language).
 Status of Language (diglossia, code switching, pidgin, creole, etc.)
 Applied Linguistics (Definition 3)

• A set of related activities or techniques mediating between the various

theoretical accounts of human language on the one hand and the practical
activities of language teaching on the other’’ (S. Pitt Corder 1973: 4-5).

• Language teaching is an exclusive area of AL according to S. Pitt Corder

(1973: 7).

• ‘‘No one not trained in the techniques of applied linguistics can successfully
teach a language’’ (Mackey, op. cit. 247)
Applied Linguistics vs. Educational Linguistics
 Educational Linguistics is dedicated to innovative studies of language
use and language learning.

 A term modelled on educational psychology and educational sociology.

It describes a commingling of an academic discipline (linguistics) with
a practical academic profession (education)... Its task is to define the
set of knowledge from the many and varied branches of the scientific
study of language that may be relevant to formal and informal
education ...’’ (Spolsky (1999) in Davies 2007: 90).
Emergence of Applied Linguistics

 Contemporary Applied Linguistics emerged in the USA in the 1940s

(Mackey 1973: 253).

 AL was meant to ‘‘... find practical applications for ‘modern scientific

linguistics’’’ (ibid.).
Themes in AL
• Applied Linguists may address issues related to the learning and
teaching of first and additional languages and the functions of language
and literacy education more generally; the establishment of local and
national language policy; or the uses and misuses of language in
professional and institutional settings.
Within these settings, applied linguists may study processes of language
acquisition and socialization, communication among peoples of different
social and historical backgrounds, the role of language in shaping the
identities of individuals and groups, or the part played by language in
mediating and resolving conflict.
Importance of Studying AL

 Applied Linguistics provides a strong understanding of concepts,

current issues and research methods in the core areas of applied
linguistics. Students will acquire specialised knowledge of theory and
practice in targeted areas of language teaching, technology, and
sociolinguistics/ intercultural issues.
While studying Applied Linguistics, students will develop an ability to apply
their knowledge to professional and practical tasks in teaching and other
areas and an understanding of principal directions in current thinking and
applications of the field.
Importance of Studying AL
 Ability to learn other languages
 Development of fluency and accuracy in foreign languages
 Development of intellectual thinking and intellectual growth
 Enhancement of critical thinking
 Participation in developing language planning
 Participation in developing school reforms, etc.
 Career Opportunities

 Work as a foreign language teacher  Work in publishing industry (editing, ...)

 Work as a tertiary teacher
 Work as interpreter and/ or
translator
 Work in computer industry
 Work for advertising companies
 Work for the government
 Language coach (actors, ...)

 Work for oil industry (Sonatrach, ...)