Summer semester 2017

Lecture "Applied Linguistics: Perspectives on a Multifaceted Field of Study"

Applied Linguistics comprises all fields of scholarly research, education and training that focus on the analysis and solution of language- and communication-related problems in all areas of human life and social interaction. As in any other applied science, doing Applied Linguistics means problem solving. For this purpose, applied linguists ideally follow a six-step approach that Knapp (2011) described as follows:

• Identification of a real-world problem related to language and/or communication
• Reformulation of the problem to make it fit into one or more scientific paradigms
• Problem analysis, in some cases by means of basic research that may lead to new theories and methods
• Development and testing of potential problem solutions
• Assessment of ethical and ecological implications as well as cost-benefit analyses
• Presentation of the problem solution to the real world and enabling those who need the solution to make use of it

The extent to which this six-step ideal is adhered to by individual researches differs considerably. This may be due to the problem at hand, which may be tackled with existing linguistic theories and methods or which may require the development of new theories and methodologies, at times borrowed from disciplines other than linguistics. These different approaches mirror Widdowson's (1980) well known distinction between linguistics applied and applied linguistics.

This lecture provides insight into the research questions and methods of selected fields of Applied Linguistics ranging from lexicography and terminography via language planning, writing instruction, technical communication, translation and interpretation to critical discourse analysis and communication optimization.

Seminar (MA) "Writing in a Second or Foreign Language"

This seminar provides an overview of the research into L2 writing that has been conducted to date and its results. The seminar participants will have the opportunity to engage in both collaborative writing and the investigation and reflection of their own writing processes. For this purpose, the seminar also provides a hands-on introduction to research methods used in L2 writing research. The objectives of the seminar are two-fold: a) obtaining an overview of second language writing research that allows students to develop their own research projects; b) improving one's own academic writing skills. This seminar is highly recommended for students who wish to write their MA thesis under my supervision or would like to work as a paid peer tutor or writing fellow in our writing centre. Students interested in L2 writing are encouraged to attend the 4th Symposium on L2 Writing Support in Higher Education, which will take place at the University of Giessen on 6/7 April 2017.