An
Introduction to
Applied Linguistics
Second
Edition
E D I N B U R G H T E X T B O O K S I N A P P L I E D L I N G U I S T I C S
S E R I E S E D I T O R S : A L A N D AV I E S & K E I T H M I T C H E L L
This Second Edition of the foundational textbook
An Introduction to Applied Linguistics
provides
a state-of-the-art account of contemporary applied linguistics. The kinds of language problems
of interest to applied linguists are discussed and a distinction drawn between the different
research approach taken by theoretical linguists and by applied linguists to what seem to be
the same problems. Professor Davies describes a variety of projects which illustrate the
interests of the field and highlight the marriage it offers between practical experience and
theoretical understanding. The increasing emphasis of applied linguistics
on ethicality is linked
to the growth of professionalism and to the concern for accountability, manifested in the
widening emphasis on
critical
stances. This, Davies argues, is at its most acute in the tension
between giving advice as the outcome of research and taking political action in order to
change a situation which, it is claimed, needs ameliorisation. This dilemma is not confined to
applied linguistics and may now be endemic in the applied disciplines.
Key features
• surveys current issues in applied linguistics, including the concept
of the Native Speaker and
the development of World Englishes
• examines the influence of linguistics, cognitive science and philosophy on applied linguistics and
makes a contrast with educational linguistics
• proposes that a key issue for the profession will increasingly be the tension between advice and
action
• suggests that applied linguistics is a theorising rather than a theoretical discipline.
Alan Davies is a long-term member of staff of the Department of Applied Linguistics in the
University of Edinburgh. 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
.
Cover design: River Design, Edinburgh
Edinburgh University Press
22 George Square, Edinburgh
ISBN 978 0 7486 3355 5
www.eup.ed.ac.uk
Edinb
ur
gh
ALAN DAVIES
A L A N D A V I E S
An Introduction to Applied Linguistics
An Introduction to Applied Linguistics
From Practice to Theory
Second Edition
A L A N D A V I E S
This new textbook series provides advanced introductions to
the main areas of study in
contemporary Applied Linguistics, with a principal focus on the theory and practice of
language teaching and language learning and on the processes and problems of language in use.
E D I N B U R G H T E X T B O O K S I N A P P L I E D L I N G U I S T I C S
S E R I E S E D I T O R S : A L A N D AV I E S & K E I T H M I T C H E L L
From Practice to Theory
3301 eup linguistics 24/5/07 13:19 Page 1
From reviews of the first edition
‘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
01 pages i-xiv:APPLIED LINGUISTICS 31/5/07 09:30 Page i
‘’Tis of great use to the sailor to know the length of his line, though he cannot with it fathom
all the depths of the ocean. ’Tis well he knows that it is long enough to reach the bottom, at
such places as are
necessary to direct his voyage, and caution him against running upon shoals
that may ruin him. Our business here is not to know all things, but those which concern our
conduct. If we can find out those measures whereby a rational creature, put in that state which
man is in the world, may and ought to govern his opinions and actions depending thereon,
we need not be troubled that some other things escape our knowledge.’
(John Locke,
An Essay Concerning Human Understanding
, 1695)
01 pages i-xiv:APPLIED LINGUISTICS 31/5/07 09:30 Page ii
Grateful acknowledgement is made for permission to reproduce material previously published
elsewhere. Every effort has been made to trace the copyright holders, but if any have been
inadvertently overlooked, the publisher will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements at
the first opportunity.
© Alan Davies, 1999, 2007
Edinburgh
University Press Ltd
22 George Square, Edinburgh
First edition published 1999
by Edinburgh University Press
Typeset in Garamond
by Norman Tilley Graphics, Northampton,
and printed and bound in Great Britain
by Cromwell Press, Trowbridge, Wilts
A CIP record for this book is available from
the British Library
ISBN 978 0 7486 3354 8 (hardback)
ISBN 978 0 7486 3355 5 (paperback)
The right of Alan Davies
to be identified as author of this work
has been
asserted in accordance with
the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
01 pages i-xiv:APPLIED LINGUISTICS 31/5/07 09:30 Page iv
