Introduction
Introduction to Applied Linguistics and TESOL is an online course developed by the University of Leicester. It is aimed at helping the individuals interested in expanding their expertise in linguistics, language use, and teaching English to the speakers of other languages. As the title implies, the course concentrates on the practical aspects of language usage in social, political, and educational fields. It is designed as a six-week set of lessons lasting for three hours each.
During the online classes, students are introduced to the notion of applied linguistics, its difference from linguistics in its general sense, and the most crucial aspects of the work of applied linguists. For a person with basic knowledge in the fields of language structure, acquisition, testing, and use, the program provides a more in-depth understanding of how language can be applied in diverse life situations, including TESOL. The relevance of the topics considered within the course is justified by the trends of globalization that force people to speak a second language, and consequently necessitate the research in language teaching and learning.
Main body
Overall, the course covers an array of useful and well-developed topics taught throughout the six weeks that significantly contribute to the scope of learners’ expertise. Each week is devoted to a separate topic expanding the knowledge in applied linguistics. The topic of the first week covered the general aspects of applied linguistics as a science and as a profession. The content of the first session explained the tendency of applied linguistics to investigate how languages evolve, change, and affect people through their communication. During week number two, the issues of language testing and assessment were discussed from the perspective of their contribution to social policy and control.
The main message of the second week’s topic was to emphasize that when assessing and testing the knowledge of the language, people exercise social control. Since language is a powerful tool of interpersonal and international communication, a standardized approach to its learning establishes equal opportunities for the benefit of mutual understanding. The materials for the next week covered the topic of learning a foreign language. Such concepts as engagement in language, learner autonomy, and foreign language-related anxiety were discussed from a teacher’s perspective.
The fourth week’s topic was aimed at explaining the role of phonology in the establishment of effective communication at personal and international levels. This topic expanded the knowledge about the role of accents and pronunciation in the identification of social roles, imposing prejudiced opinions, and making impressions on others. The examples of the utilization of phonological tools in public speeches have shown the power of language in political and media fields.
The issue of language use in different settings was at the center of the fifth week’s discussion. A newly introduced notion of language corpus has broadened the knowledge about the types of texts which provide a basis for exploring linguistic particularities of specific communication groups or settings. Finally, the last week covered the topic of language change under the influence of technological and societal advancement. Due to globalization, diverse populations interact more closely on an everyday basis. The role of language under such circumstances cannot be overestimated.
The general implication of the course in applied linguistics helps to understand how this science benefits people’s everyday life. The new knowledge retrieved during the sessions has shown how important linguistics is in such fields as public relations, politics, education, and even criminology. Indeed, applied linguistics investigates the many ways in which language is used; therefore, it introduces new approaches to language teaching, assessment, and learning within the context of TESOL. When it comes to politics, the choice of linguistic patterns and features, such as grammar, pronunciation, or vocabulary, identifies the ideological intentions of a speaker.
Therefore, discourse analysis facilitated using applied linguistics helps to investigate the power of language as a tool of influence. Finally, as the case of a linguist named Jan Svartvik case shows, the analysis of the language features might help investigate crimes. The analysis of the language features in the speech of suspects might facilitate the identification of false statements and improve the justice system as a whole. Therefore, applied linguistics plays a crucial role in people’s everyday life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the course under the title “Introduction to Applied Linguistics and TESOL” is a very useful, concise, yet informative online program that allows students interested in language learning and teaching to expand their knowledge. Having completed this course, I can tell that my level of understanding of the underlying principles of applied linguistics has been significantly enriched. I have grasped the ideas of such new concepts as the corpus method and discourse analysis.
Also, I enhanced my skills with some tips on facilitating the foreign language teaching process and expanded my perception of the potential of language as a tool of control and influence. This course has introduced me to the scientific field of linguistics that is very important in the contemporary world of technological development, increased international communication, globalization, and diverse societies.