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Foundations of Applied Linguistic Research - LAN00113M

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This module offers an overview of approaches and issues in the study of applied linguistics as a multi-disciplinary endeavour. It provides students with methodological tools and theoretical information to understand some of the key questions on the ways we use language in the real world and how to approach them from an empirical perspective. This module sets the foundation for further specialisation in either/both the Language Development or the Conversation Analysis pathways of the MA.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

The module provides:

  • An introduction the broad field of applied linguistics.

  • An overview of key past and current issues in the study of language in use and language development in real-world social and intercultural contexts.

  • An introduction to the technical syntactic and phonetic-phonological description of language.

  • A grounding in approaches to the empirical study of language development and language in use from qualitative and quantitative perspectives.

Module learning outcomes

At the end of the module you will be able to:

  • Articulate the key goals of the broad field of applied linguistics.

  • Explain and critically evaluate key questions in the study of language in use and language development in a variety of contexts.

  • Apply key syntactic and phonetic-phonological terminology to language development and interaction data.

  • Interpret applied linguistic data using relevant qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods.

  • Explain and evaluate methods for investigating language development and language in use.

Module content

This module will cover the following topics and skills:

  • Applied Linguistics: domains and applications of the use of language in the real world.

  • Linguistic theory and description of language: focus on syntax and phonetics-phonology.

  • Approaches and perspectives to the study of language in use: quantitative and qualitative, experimental and corpus methods. Data collection and ethics.

  • Language, communication, and culture. Intercultural communication. Institutional encounters and professional communication. Introductory concepts in conversation analysis.

  • Language acquisition, learning and development, including bilingualism and multilingualism.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 70
Essay/coursework 30

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 70
Essay/coursework 30

Module feedback

Students will receive oral feedback on the work carried out during seminars. Written feedback on formative and summative assessments will be provided via commentary on the scripts and a feedback form including an essay rubric. Feedback for assessments will be returned within 25 working days.

Indicative reading

Antaki, C. (2011). Applied Conversation Analysis: Intervention and Change in Institutional Talk. Palgrave Macmillan UK.

Ashby, M., & Maidment, J. (2005). Introducing Phonetic Science. Cambridge University Press.

Chapelle C. A. (2013). The encyclopedia of applied linguistics. Wiley-Blackwell.

Friedrich, P. (2019). Applied Linguistics in the Real World (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429032219

Rankin, T., & Whong, M. (2020). Grammar: A Linguists' Guide for Language Teachers. Cambridge University Press.

Saville-Troike, M., & Barto, K. (2016). Introducing Second Language Acquisition (3rd ed., Cambridge Introductions to Language and Linguistics). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Sidnell, J., & Stivers, T. (2012). The Handbook of Conversation Analysis. John Wiley & Sons.

Spencer-Oatey, Helen, and Peter Franklin.2020. Intercultural interaction: A multidisciplinary approach to intercultural communication. Springer.

Turnball, K. L. P, & Justice, L. M. (2014). Language development from theory to practice, 2nd edition. Pearson.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.