Second language acquisition, applied linguistics and the teaching of foreign languages

Abstract

Given the current popularity of second language acquisition (SLA) as a research base for the teaching and learning of foreign languages in educational settings, it is appropriate to examine the relationship of SLA to other relevant areas of inquiry, such as foreign language education, foreign language methodology, and applied linguistics. This article makes the argument that applied linguistics, as the interdisciplinary field that mediates between the theory and the practice of language acquisition and use, is the overarching field that includes SLA and SLA-related domains of research. Applied linguistics brings to all levels of foreign language study not only the research done in SLA proper, but also the research in stylistics, language socialisation, and critical applied linguistics that illuminates the teaching of a foreign language as sociocultural practice, as historical practice, and as social semiotic practice.