An Introduction to Applied Linguistics (Edinburgh Textbooks in Applied Linguistics) - Hardcover

Davies, Professor Alan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0748633545 ISBN 13: 9780748633548

Publisher: Edinburgh University Press, 2007

Synopsis

Language and language problems affect all of us and are an integral part of our social experience.

In An Introduction to Applied Linguistics, Professor Davies takes this simple fact as his starting point and sets out to show that applied linguistics is better understood by doing it than studying or reading about it. Beginning with the history and definitions of applied linguistics, he then looks at the full spectrum of 'institutional' and 'non-institutional' uses of language, spanning not only language learning and teaching but also language as a socio-psychological phenomenon. Whilst setting this practical outlook against the historical background of changing public needs and competing ideologies, Davies shows that a theory can be derived.

The book has been updated throughout. The amendments include a re-examination of the Linguistics Applied-Applied Linguistics opposition, a survey of Applied Linguistics curricula, a consideration of whether there is any difference between the terms Educational Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, further discussion of the role of correctness and of ethics and a new study of the challenges to Applied Linguistics of socio-cultural theory, the theorising of World Englishes and the concept of the native speaker. There is a new final chapter which surveys the whole volume and makes connections with the other volumes in the Series.

The book provides an excellent introduction to the problems and issues that arise in the practice of applied linguistics. Reviewers of the First Edition have described it as 'required reading for all who consider themselves applied linguists', 'an interesting and provocative book', 'obligatory reading for students and researchers in applied linguistics' and 'an admirable description of the nature of applied linguistics, the mentality of its practitioners and the problems that they encounter'. It will repay study by all those working professionally with language and those generally interested in the relationship between linguistics and applied linguistics. Readily accessible to graduate students, it will be of considerable benefit to those undergraduate students who are prepared to persevere.

Key Features:

Introductory text and the foundation volume for the series.

Emphasis on the importance of experience.

Examples of applied linguistics in language teaching and in other settings.

Exercises and demonstrated examples included.

About this title

About the Author:

Alan Davies is a long-term member of staff of the Department of Applied Linguistics in the University of Edinburgh. Now Emeritus Professor and Honorary Fellow, he is a former editor of the two journals Applied Linguistics and Language Testing and was for five years Director of the Language Testing Research Centre, University of Melbourne. In 2001 the International Language Testing Association awarded him its first Lifetime Achievement Award and he has recently been granted a Leverhulme Emeritus Fellowship for research into Native Speakers and Native Users. His publications include Principles of Language Testing, The Native Speaker: Myth and Reality, Dictionary of Language Testing, The Handbook of Applied Linguistics and A Glossary of Applied Linguistics.

Review:

"'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"

About this edition

• Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0748633545
• ISBN 13: 9780748633548
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 224