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He says that it (applied linguistics)
sets out to investigate
problems in the world in which language is implicated (e.g. social
problems, educational problems, etc.).
He also states that applied linguistics
constitutes a series of
processes of study, reflection,
investigation, and action concerning to
events happening to people in the real life. In addition to that main idea
the mentioned author classifies “problems” into types or so called “areas
of study” in orders to define the principal aims of applied linguistics,
these areas are:
1) Language and education
This area includes:
First-language education, when a child studies their home language
or languages.
Additional-language education, often divided into
second-language
education, when someone studies their society’s majority or official
language which
is not their home language, and
foreign-language
education, when someone studies the language of another country.
Clinical linguistics: The study and treatment of speech and
communication impairments,
whether hereditary, developmental, or
acquired (through injury, stroke, illness, or age).
Language testing: The assessment and evaluation of language
achievement
and proficiency, both in first and additional languages, and
for both general and specific purposes.