Notes Towards the Definition of Applied Linguistics

Abstract

Definitions have a tendency to be tentative where a growing science like applied linguistics is concerned. At least two seminal issues are at stake in any attempt at defining applied linguistics as a science: (a) the nature of ‘science’, and (b) the implications flowing out of the process of ‘application’. Systematicity, objectivity, comprehensiveness, explicitness and precision are the attributes that characterise any scientific endeavour. This raises questions of very grave importance to an autonomous science like applied linguistics. The implications of the process of ‘application’ would hardly be lost on anyone, for only a facile meaning offers itself if we stick to a purely semantic explanation.