An Introduction to Applied Linguistics: From Practice to Theory

Shortlisted for the BAAL Book Prize 2000Language 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 it 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. For first-time students of applied linguistics, people working professionally with language and those generally interested in the relationship between linguistics and applied linguistics, this book provides an excellent introduction to the problems and issues that will arise.* Introductory text and the foundation volume for the series* Emphasis on the importance of experience* Contains examples of applied linguistics in language teaching and othersettings* Exercises and demonstrated examples included