Responsible Design in Applied Linguistics: Theory and Practice

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xv

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2. The Foundations of a Discipline of Design

   • Albert Weideman

   Pages 1-10

3. A Linguistic Explanation for the Foundations of Applied Linguistics

   • Albert Weideman

   Pages 11-38

4. An Inter-Disciplinary View of Applied Linguistics

   • Albert Weideman

   Pages 39-51

5. The Scientific Status of Applied Linguistics

   • Albert Weideman

   Pages 53-74

6. Applied Linguistics as a Discipline of Design

   • Albert Weideman

   Pages 75-95

7. Technocratic and Revolutionary Designs: Three Illustrations

   • Albert Weideman

   Pages 97-131

8. Beyond Method and Towards Accountability

   • Albert Weideman

   Pages 133-148

9. Themes and Styles of Doing Applied Linguistics

   • Albert Weideman

   Pages 149-182

10. Innovation and Eclecticism: Resistance and Continuity

    • Albert Weideman

    Pages 183-195

11. A Returning Question: Defining the Field of Applied Linguistics

    • Albert Weideman

    Pages 197-209

12. Design Principles and The Future of Applied Linguistics

    • Albert Weideman

    Pages 211-231

13. Back Matter

    Pages 233-239

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No mere history of applied linguistics, this volume presents a framework for interpreting the development of applied linguistics as a discipline. It offers a systematic account of how applied linguistics has developed, articulating the philosophical premises that have informed both its emergence and its subsequent growth. It asks questions that are seldom asked: Where does the discipline derive from? Where is it heading? What directions has it already taken? Which direction should it embrace in future? What is the relative worth of all of the variation in design and methods that have been developed by applied linguists? In defining applied linguistics as a discipline of design, it takes us beyond the diffuse and sometimes contradictory conventional definitions of the field. The framework of design principles it proposes not only helps to explain the historical development of applied linguistics, but also provides a potential justification for solutions to language problems. It presents us with nothing less than an emerging theory of applied linguistics.

• Dynamic systems theory
• English language skills development in higher education
• Foundational framework of applied linguistics
• Linguistic interpretations of applied linguistics
• Second language acquisition research
• Theory of applied ethics
• curriculum development for additional language education
• design of linguistic intervention programs
• educational solutions to language problems
• post-admission assessment of student language skills

“This timely volume provides a cogent account of the major conceptual approaches in applied linguistics and language education over the last fifty years. It offers a well-grounded consideration of fundamental issues, reflections on perennial themes, and insights into possible future directions. With multiple recent examples from language education in South Africa and elsewhere, the discussion will appeal to all applied linguists, language teachers, and scholars in related disciplines who seek a comprehensive synthesis of the philosophies underlying language learning and instruction.  A welcome reference for any reader seeking to grasp of the evolution of the field.” (Mary McGroarty, Northern Arizona University, USA)

• University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

  Albert Weideman

Policies and ethics