Understanding the relevance of language and linguistics to real life problems and situations is more important than ever, particularly within our modern, linguistically diverse world. A minor in Applied Linguistics equips you with the skills to apply language and linguistic knowledge to a range of topically relevant areas, including, language management and language policy, language in spoken interaction, language acquisition, language teaching and cross cultural communication.

Applied Linguistics is a highly relevant minor for a range of students: for students with prior linguistic knowledge who would like to understand how linguistics can be applied to a variety of real-life issues; for language students who would like to explore language acquisition and teaching from a theoretical perspective and the relevance of language in all contexts and cultures; and for students with no prior language or linguistic knowledge but who are interested in how language is used in contemporary society.

Learning outcomes

Students who complete this minor will have the skills and knowledge to:

• identify, analyse and critically discuss central issues in several core areas of Applied Linguistics, such as language management and language policy, language in spoken interaction, language acquisition, language teaching and cross cultural communication.
• understand theoretical frameworks used in different core areas and be able to evaluate their contributions and limitations with respect to specific research questions.
• apply Applied Linguistics methodologies to seek answers to questions relevant to how language is used in everyday life.
• reflect on, and articulate, their own developing views of language central to the discipline in ways that are both methodologically and theoretically informed.
• apply the knowledge and skills gained to new language situations as these arise in relevant future contexts.