Publisher's Synopsis
Applied linguistics in one of its manifestations can be defined as that knowledge of language that can be used to influence language performance. Applied linguistics in one of its manifestations can be defined as that knowledge of language that can be used to influence language performance. As speakers of language, we all have certain deep-seated notions concerning the nature of language. Like all such fundamental beliefs, these are often wrong, though they contain a germ of truth. For example, as literate beings, we tend to equate language with writing. But there are significant differences, not only between oral sounds and written symbols, but also between spoken and written syntax or vocabulary. Linguistics is a large field, or set of fields, involving the scientific study of language. At the interface between the sciences and humanities, linguistics is a battleground for anthropologists, philosophers, philologists, poets, theologians, psychologists, biologists, and neurologists, all of whom seek to describe language and how it works from their own perspective. The ever-receding and highly ambitious goal is a theory of how all aspects of language work. Art and language can be combined in a variety of ways to create positive outcomes in art therapy, and sometimes art itself can be considered a language or mode of communication. Exploring concepts from related fields may shed light on the use of art and language in art therapy. This volume explores the relationships between Applied Linguistics and other related disciplines concerning language use and language teaching. 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. Inductive and deductive processes are used to explore literature from the fields of psychology, art philosophy, and linguistics. It is intended to examine applied linguistics and English language teaching. Many researches concerned with applied linguistics have led to a phenomenon to resolve language problems in general and in particular English language. Concepts common to each of these disciplines are explored through the lens of bilingual therapy. It seeks to trace the changes in the view of the relationship between theory and practice in Applied Linguistics, to explain the reason for those changes, and to discuss the implications for language teaching. Some general assumptions that serve as a context for this are presented.
