• University of Leicester

Introduction to Applied Linguistics and TESOL

Get an introduction to applied linguistics and how linguistics is applied in a range of fields - from language teaching to law.

52,155 enrolled on this course

Image shows two people speaking and listening
  • Duration

    6 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

Explore the field of applied linguistics through real-world case studies

This online course introduces the field of applied linguistics and how it relates to disciplines including linguistics and language teaching.

You’ll explore real-world examples of applied linguistics, such as forensic linguistics and language assessment. You’ll look at the field’s impact on important issues - for example, reducing gender bias in language use and simplifying legal language.

You’ll find out what applied linguists do through a series of case studies. Specialists will work through problems and show you applied linguistic research methods to solve them.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 8 seconds Applied linguistics is about language, its users and its uses. Without it, we can’t get what we want, whether it’s a baby crying to be fed, or international leaders trying to negotiate important international deals. At its most sophisticated, communication involves many layers of language such as grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, and discourse, as well as nonverbal features such as gaze, facial expressions, and gesture. Linguists are increasingly realising that learning a second or foreign language is a complex process, and not the same as learning a first language. And yet, in today’s globalised world, the majority of us speak a second language. And by far the most important second language is English.

Skip to 0 minutes and 50 seconds In this course, we’ll look at many aspects of applied linguistics and how it relates to our everyday lives, as well as specifically, how it relates to English language teaching and learning. We look at the role of language testing for instance, and its importance in some of the big decisions we make in our lives. We’ll also look at speech and pronunciation and their role not only in mutual intelligibility, but also in the image we present to each other and our sense of identity. Every year, a large number of students come and study with us here at the University of Leicester, either on campus or as distance learners.

Skip to 1 minute and 27 seconds Our aim is to help them understand more about language and how it works, how it’s learned, and how it’s taught, and how they can then apply it in their own professional context. So if you’re interested in finding out more about language and its application in our everyday lives, from the banal to the momentous, and if you’d like to know more about how to observe, and analyse, and assess language, we think you’ll find our MOOC interesting and stimulating.

What topics will you cover?

  • Have you ever met an applied linguist?
  • Language and the big decisions in life
  • Inspiring language learning
  • The social role of pronunciation
  • Investigating language in use
  • Joining the Applied Linguistics and TESOL community at Leicester

When would you like to start?

  • Date to be announced

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Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Demonstrate understanding of the key areas of applied linguistics and how these can be related to language teaching and learning
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of applied linguistics, including language structure, language acquisition and language use in relation to culture, society, communication
  • Explore the role of language within the broader field of communication, particularly in language teaching and learning
  • Collect language data, organize it appropriately, and carry out initial linguistic analysis of that data
  • Reflect on and value diverse perspectives on language use and language users in society
  • Contribute knowledgeably to discussions on contemporary linguistic issues in a multilingual society

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for:

  • anyone interested in linguistics and language teaching, and thinking of a career in these fields
  • people considering a postgraduate degree in applied linguistics or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
  • professionals already working in applied linguistics or related fields, who want an update on current thinking and practice.

Who will you learn with?

I'm a Professor in Applied Linguistics and TESOL at the University of Leicester. I research and teach in several areas of applied linguistics and TESOL including online language learning.

Who developed the course?

University of Leicester

The University of Leicester is a leading research led university with a strong tradition of excellence in teaching. It is consistently ranked amongst the top 20 universities in the United Kingdom.

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Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
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Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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