ALM4120

Applied linguistics

Heather Lotherington

12 points
* 2 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton

Objectives This subject introduces students to various linguistic approaches to the practical solution of language issues in society. Upon successful completion of this subject students will have developed an awareness of the importance that linguistics has in matters of education, language policy, intercultural and cross-cultural communication; become aware of language as an ideological tool and as a means of discrimination as well as an expression of solidarity; and learned to use strategies developed within linguistic research to deal with social and communicative issues involving language.

Synopsis This subject introduces students to a range of applications of linguistics in society. Three contexts for the application of linguistics are highlighted: education, the media and the professions. We discuss language issues and problems such as literacy and oracy; second language acquisition; language and ideology; language and discrimination; language and power; language policy and planning; intercultural and cross-cultural communication This subject aims (1) to familiarise students with the main applications of linguistics in society and (2) to document the contributions of linguists to the discussion of language issues in society and to solving language and communication problems. Furthermore, the subject aims to introduce students to a range of linguistic and social approaches to the study of language in social contexts.

Assessment Oral presentation: 20%
* Test (2 hours): 20%
* Library exercise: 10%
* Major assignment (5000 words): 50%