Arizona: Doctoral program takes new look at language

[Harold Schiffman]

Doctoral program takes new look at language

The Arizona Board of Regents recently approved an innovative ASU
doctoral degree program that will create a new generation of highly
skilled language researchers to address real-world problems using a
unique interdisciplinary approach. The applied linguistics doctoral
degree program seeks to prepare solution-focused linguists ready to
tackle major global challenges linked to issues of language and
literacy. The program – a collaboration of ASU's Mary Lou Fulton
College of Education and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences –
will be guided by an interdisciplinary faculty from many areas of the
university, including curriculum and instruction; English; humanities;
educational leadership and policy studies; language, cultures and
history; human evolution and social change; computer science and
engineering; philosophy; and psychology.

Linguists endeavor to understand the universals of language, including
how it is learned and processed, as well as its influence on
international policy, philosophy, social sciences, cognitive sciences
and education. The field of applied linguistics complements this work
by questioning how language affects people's daily lives and daily
needs. "In an urban area as large as the Phoenix metropolitan
community, the inhabitants bring a diversity of cultures and languages
to enrich social interaction," says Deborah Losse, divisional dean of
the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. "The teaching and research
done through the new interdisciplinary doctorate in applied
linguistics will assist the community and communities beyond the
Phoenix area in facing new challenges in the schools, in the homes and
in the civic sphere."

The new program will combine research topics in the linguistic
sciences and education to pursue principled approaches to
language-related concerns. Unlike other universities, where applied
linguistics is focused on adult language learners, ASU will center its
program on simultaneous and developmental bilingualism in children and
adolescents. The program also seeks to extend ASU's global outreach.
One of the concentration areas is English as an international language
(more commonly referred to as English as a foreign language). Among
other things, doctoral students will research the learning, teaching
and use of English in an international context to help develop
research-based policies supporting English education in international
settings. ASU's program also will examine indigenous language
education, including the maintenance and revitalization of native
languages in tribal communities.

"The applied linguistics doctoral program will draw upon the talents
of faculty in the Fulton College, and in the College of Liberal Arts
and Sciences, to improve our understanding of bilingualism and
biliteracy, Native American language education issues and many other
important issues," says Sarah Hudelson, the senior associate dean for
academic programs and personnel with the Fulton College. "Linguistics
and applied linguistics at ASU has a long history of interdisciplinary
work. The new applied linguistics doctorate will draw upon this
history to create a place for faculty and students across the
university to work together on important issues in language study and
language education."

Jeff MacSwan, an associate professor of curriculum and instruction
with the Fulton College, and the applied linguistics program's
director and chair, says the program will feature a foundation in
theoretical linguistics that will likely fuel expanded course
offerings in syntax, semantics and phonology, and attract new faculty
experts. "As a result, we can expand the intellectual support for
research in linguistics across the discipline," MacSwan says, adding
that the program also will more closely connect ASU scholars
interested in issues related to language and literacy.

Losse says the programmatic emphasis will benefit graduate students,
faculty and eventually undergraduate students who may work on
linguistics research projects. The program's five areas of
concentration are bilingualism, educational linguistics, English as an
international language, indigenous language education and language
policy and planning. Applicants to this interdisciplinary program can
have academic preparation in any field but must have a bachelor's
degree from an accredited institution. Applications are due to the
Curriculum and Instruction Graduate Programs Office by Feb. 29 for
admission this fall.

For more information, visit the Web site
http://appliedlinguistics.asu.edu or contact the office at (480)
965-4602.

http://asunews.asu.edu/20080213_linguistics

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