The nature of applied linguistics is an issue that has reappeared again
and again over several decades. The established paradigm met severe
difficulty during the 1960s, but has never been replaced by a coherent
alternative. The major aim of this book is to present a new approach to
the discussion about the nature of applied linguistics, one that
investigates its deeper theory of science underpinnings. A second
important aim is to explore what an alternative might look like, granted
diverse developments since the original paradigm began to be questioned.
Rather than argue the case for one specific alternative, the book
suggest a viable tertium comparationis for intellectual discussion
across current tension and disparity. Such a common ground is strongly
needed within graduate and postgraduate programmes.
The first part of this book presents applied linguistics as seen within
theory and history of science. The emerging picture is empirically
confronted with the world of practitioners. The second part presents
tentative integration, in theory of language, theory of learning and
research methodology, and ends with an empirical study illustrating
principles of research. The third part returns to theory of science,
discussing ontological aspects of our core research object - problems of
linguistic communication.
