[LAP] Linguistics and Applied Linguistics

[Ahmar Mahboob]

Earlier today, I conversed with chatGPT about the differences between linguistics and applied linguistics. This is what it told me:

"Linguistics is the scientific study of language and its structure, including the analysis of the sounds, grammar, and meaning of language. It is concerned with understanding the nature of language and how it functions in communication, as well as how humans create meanings and knowledge through language use.

“Applied linguistics, on the other hand, is a field that involves the practical application of linguistic theories and research, as well as other interdisciplinary theories and research methods, to address real-world problems related to language and potentially beyond. Applied linguistics encompasses a wide range of topics, including language teaching, language planning, language policy, language assessment, language and society, multilingualism, language variation, language change, and more.

“One of the primary goals of applied linguistics is to improve the quality of life for individuals and society as a whole, by addressing real-world problems related to language. Applied linguistics seeks to provide practical solutions to language-related issues, such as language teaching and learning, language planning and policy, and language assessment, in order to improve communication, access to education, and social integration for individuals and communities.

“Moreover, applied linguistics can potentially contribute to various fields beyond language education, policy, and assessment, such as health, environment, and law. By providing insights into how language is used in these fields and how language can be effectively used to achieve positive outcomes, applied linguistics can potentially improve the world we live in and our lives in various ways.

“It's important to note that while applied linguistics may draw on linguistic theories, it can also use other interdisciplinary theories and research methods to address real-world problems related to language. Therefore, it is not always the case that applied linguistics relies solely on linguistic theory.

“In summary, linguistics is primarily concerned with the scientific study of language, while applied linguistics is focused on the practical application of linguistic theories and research, as well as other interdisciplinary theories and research methods, to address real-world problems related to language and potentially beyond. The ultimate goal of applied linguistics is to improve the quality of life for individuals and society as a whole, by providing practical solutions to language-related issues and potentially contributing to other fields beyond language education, policy, and assessment.”

I wonder, to what degree do Linguistics programs that you are familiar with train students on “how humans create meanings and knowledge through language use”? And, to what degree do Applied Linguistics programs that you are familiar with train students to “to address real-world problems” and to “improve the quality of life for individuals and society as a whole”?

Sunny Boy

———
Ahmar Mahboob | Sunny Boy Brumby | Prof Nomad
Associate Professor & PG program coordinator
Discipline of Linguistics, School of Humanities
University of Sydney, NSW 2006

https://www.sydney.edu.au/arts/about/our-people/academic-staff/ahmar-mahboob.html

https://sydney.academia.edu/AhmarMahboob
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