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The roots of applied linguistics in Australia
- Source: Australian Review of Applied Linguistics, Volume 24, Issue 1, Jan 2001, p. 13 - 29
Abstract
In this paper an attempt is made to identify the origins and distinctive character of Applied Linguistics in Australia, which differ significantly from those in the United States and the United Kingdom, where the field developed in the context of the English language education of international students. The Australian tradition differs in two main respects: (1) the strong influence and representation of the applied linguistics of modern languages, manifest in the work of university teachers of French and other modern languages, and in research on language in immigrant communities; and (2) the distinctive role of the applied linguistics of English, both as a mother tongue in schools, and as a language of immigrants. Using information from a series of interviews with leading figures in the development of Australian applied linguistics, the unique character of Australian Applied Linguistics is revealed.