Researching applied linguistics, which is an interdisciplinary field of linguistics that identifies, investigates, and offers solutions to language-related real-life problems, has given me a new perspective on language and its power to change lives. It covers issues in sociology, education, psychology, computer science, anthropology, and communication. Guy Cook's Applied Linguistics is part of Oxford's series on language study. It is a short introduction to the field of applied linguistics and offers a comprehensive yet brief overview of the various aspects of the field.
The book is broken down into four parts: Survey, Readings, References, and Glossary. This review will deal primarily with the Survey, which Cook describes as "simple...But it is not simplistic" (P. viii). Cook states that though he provides an uncluttered overview of applied linguistics--meaning that he does not complicate it scholarly references or specialist expertise--he does not imply that there is any lack of ability to evaluate ideas and form conclusions. "Ignorance means the lack of knowledge, not a lack of intelligence" (P. viii). Thus, Cook's Survey provides us with an understandable introduction to applied linguistics and in no way requires specialized knowledge to understand.
The Readings and References give the reader an opportunity to delve into further study if they so desire, whilst the Glossary provides thorough definitions of bold terms that are seen throughout the Survey. These terms have special or technical use in the field. It also serves as a cross-reference to the Survey.
The Survey is broken down into 8 chapters, each dealing with a certain facet of applied linguistics. The first chapter details the need for applied linguistics and provides a overview of how this discipline is differentiated from linguistics. As "language is at the heart of human life" (P. 3), it is not enough to look at the construction of a language. It is necessary to see how language is used in daily life, in worldwide issues, education, sociology. Language has a very real aspect in almost everything that we do and applied linguistics is the field that research and seeks answers to these real-world issues.
Cook continually builds on the previous chapters as his book moves forward, referencing points that he previously makes. He deals with the issue of correctness, language in the modern world, the growth of English as the lingua franca of the world, ELT (English Language Teaching), communication, culture, persuasion, and how applied linguistics can change in the future. Through each chapter Cook gives definitions and simple explanations of issues in the field. For example, applied linguistics was once looked at as only ELT (TEFL, TESOL). Cook addresses this historical issue and briefly describes how the field has blossomed to include more language issues, such as communication and cultural context.
Each chapter is succinct. Though Cook does quote some scholars to give an illustration of how applied linguistics has come into being, he remains firmly on the non-academic jargon, allowing for the common reader to comprehend the text. The book at certain points does require some knowledge of language and culture, though it is not completely necessary. I have never personally studied linguistics, but I have studied other languages and lived in other cultures. This experience gave me insight into certain points that he made, especially in the chapter on cultural context.
In essence, this book was a good choice to read to see if applied linguistics is a field that warrants further study and research on my part. Though technical at times, this brief introduction gave me several ideas of how I want to further my career and an understanding of what I could expect in going into an applied linguistics master's program. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the applied linguistics discipline and the various career paths that can be taken within it.
RATING: 5/5
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