An Introduction to Applied Linguistics

4.5.5 Language and identity
A CAL response to this project would probably query the neutrality of the observer
and analyst and conclude that any judgements he would make would necessarily be
imbued with a colonialist prejudice. And in the context of a Muslim–Christian
confrontation the writer could be taken to task even further for his conclusion
that: ‘language … is central to individual identity’ (Joseph 2004a: 225). The
question would be: where does that leave other markers, other ideologies such as
religion?
But surely, such cavilling is unfair. It denies the possibility of all outsiders engaging
in ethnographic-type research (Geerz 1997) and it ignores the nice balance the
author achieves between academic detachment and family piety.
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4.5.6 Assessing English as a lingua franca
CAL would be very critical of this project, on its own terms, pointing out that it
clearly does not conform to the BAAL requirements, that ‘assessment methods
should be developed to take account of students’ differing background and academic
needs’ (BAAL 1994: 3.4). ELF speakers, the argument would continue, do indeed
have different needs and to pretend they don’t make a homogeneous group is to fail
to take ethical responsibility. But a counter is possible. Once again, is the CAL
position not to defend individual requirements? And, to repeat what I wrote in 4.5.2
above, this ‘puts a question mark against its (CAL’s) role within applied linguistics’.
Thus far, all assessment has to be group based in order to reveal just how different
individuals are: no group, no individual.
5 CONCLUSION
In this chapter I have examined the institutionalising of applied linguistics as a
distinct profession. We move, in Chapter 7, to a consideration of the postmodern
and critical influences on applied linguistics.
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Chapter 7
Applied linguistics: no ‘bookish theoric’
‘… the bookish theoric,
… mere prattle, without practice,
Is all his soldiership.’
(William Shakespeare, 
Othello
: I, i, 24–7)
1 INTRODUCTION
In Chapter 7 I query how far current philosophical developments in the humanities
and social sciences have affected applied linguistics and in particular how influential
the various ‘critical’ stances (for example, critical applied linguistics and critical
discourse analysis) are.