Pontifi cia Universidad Catlica de Chile

Facultad de Letras
MAAL EFL
March2015

APPLICATIONS OF LINGUISTIC
KNOWLEDGE TO EFL

Course overview
GENERAL OBJECTIVE
To acquire a general overview of the application of linguistic
theory to different fields related to EFL.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
1. 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 overview
CONTENTS
- 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 overview
ASSESSMENT
- 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 AL
The 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 discipline
The 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 consider
AL 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 areas

Learner and user groups

Child Language,
Adult Language Learning
Sign Language

Analytical procedures or methods

Contrastive Linguistics and Error Analysis
Discourse Analysis,
Rhetoric and Stylistics

Information transfer and interpersonal communication

Language and Ecology
Language and Gender
Language and the Media

Psycholinguistics and Second Language Acquisition

Cognitive processes.

Language problems in professional contexts

Forensic Linguistics
Interpreting and Translating,
Communication in the Professions

Main Areas
Instructional issues
Literacy
Immersion Education
Learner Autonomy in Language Learning
Foreign Language Teaching Methodology
Teacher Education
Educational Technology and Language Learning
Mother Tongue Education

Language use, learning, and

development
Language Planning
Language and Education in Multilingual
Settings
Language Contact and Language Change

Issues
The 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 Linguistics

Parent and child: strong dependence /
linguistics applied
Autonomous AL
AL: 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

Four levels of AL research

To contribute to the evolution
of assumptions, policies,
practices, and institutions in
which we can feed forward
into society.

Telling a story: diverse

audiences

The essentially theoretical

purpose of questioning and
improving our understanding of
phenemona of the significant
role language can play within
real-world problems.

Building and critiquing a theory of

practice (applied linguists and
informed non-applied linguists)

a. Interaction with relevant individuals and

groups from outside the academy
b. A reflective evaluative stance towards the

Differences of perspectives in AL
The specificity of pragmatic objectives
The 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 method
The extent to which it identifies a space in which they feel willing
and justified in asserting their authority.

CONTEXT