Linguistics | The domain of applied linguistics

linguistics 

The domain of applied linguistics is extremely wide

The learning and teaching of a second language

How are the forms and structures (speech sounds, morphology, lexicon and syntax) of a second language learned by learners? What cognitive processes are involved? How can they be taught? What methods, approaches and techniques can be used to teach those forms and structures of a second language? 

Translation and interpreting:

The application of linguistics to the process of rendering a text from one language into another, or of providing a simultaneous translation of speech. Linguistics can provide insight not only into the structure of the source and target languages, but also into issues relating to discourse and text types and pragmatics. The use of com**rs (i.e. machine translation) is a major field in natural language processing.

Lexicography:

The application of linguistics to the writing of dictionaries, taking the outputs of linguistic description and using them to construct entries for words. Lexicography is also the academic subject that studies dictionaries and other reference works such as thesauri and encyclopedia.

Stylistics:

The application of linguistics to the study of style in all genres of literature but, in principle, of any type of text (e.g. advertising texts, political speeches). Using the techniques of descriptive linguistics, the analyst studies the language of (a) chosen text(s) with the aim of discovering the linguistic features that mark the text as different from other texts or other authors.

Language planning and policy:

The application of linguistics to decision making about language status and use at a national or regional level. Linguists may be called upon, for example, to advise governments on language policy (e.g. language of instruction in education) or they may be members of language academies. They may take part in the corpus planning of a language i.e., the writing of grammar books and dictionaries. They may also be involved in the status planning of a language, i.e. the allocation or designation of a language or dialect to functional domains (scientific, technological, legal, financial, medical, administrative domains) within a society, thus affecting the status, position or standing, of a language.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and language teaching and learning:

The integration of ICT in language teaching and learning has become a fascinating, promising and challenging sub-field of applied linguistics. The internet offers language learning websites with instant feedback to learners, which enhances students’ learning experience. ICT also includes the use of E-Books, audio books, webinars, mobile apps, web 2.0 applications for language teaching and learning purposes.