The work of the Applied Linguistics Research Group focuses on the relationship between first and second language use and learning. We attempt to advance aspects of theory and achieving theoretically-grounded practical outcomes. A number of influential theoretical models are associated with our work, e.g. Multi-competence (Cook), Processability Theory (Pienemann), the Interactional Architecture of the L2 Classroom (Seedhouse), and the reconceptualisation of Second Language Acquisition (Firth).

A particularly fertile aspect of the group’s constitution is the interaction between more cognitive and more socio-cultural, CA-inspired paradigms and approaches to SLA. The group won a BAAL/CUP award to run a seminar on ‘Conceptualising Learning in Applied Linguistics’ in June 2008, which brought together speakers operating in different paradigms with the aim of developing a conception of ‘learning’. Other salient features of the group’s work are the range and diversity of languages whose use and acquisition are studied, as well as increments in knowledge in relation to language use and language education in bilingual and multilingual settings.

Theory-based practical outcomes with a global impact have been achieved by the exceptionally strong links between staff in this theme and the overseas practitioners in its research student body. The section’s Integrated PhD (IPhD) programme in Educational & Applied Linguistics is the highest-recruiting New Route PhD programme in any discipline in the UK with 56 f/t overseas students. In September 2008 we launch a unique new product, the Cross-Cultural Communication IPhD pathway.

Global impact is also evident in that group members have conducted 31 invited plenary talks in 15 countries since 2000, as well as 36 invited talks in 16 countries. During the last 7 years the group members published 84 publications, including 16 books. Two new journals have editors in the section. Cook is Editor of ‘Writing Systems Research’ (OUP) and Walsh is Editor of ‘Classroom Discourse’ (Routledge). Grants awarded include ESRC £100K (Firth, Jenks) and IELTS £15K (Seedhouse). Since 2000 the group has run 3 BAAL/CUP funded seminars and contributed to hosting the Sociolinguistics Symposium and Eurosla conferences in Newcastle. The group will host the 2009 BAAL conference in Newcastle.

Links to personal websites of ALRG members are provided below: these provide full details of research activity.

Prof. Vivian Cook, Professor of Applied Linguistics
Dr. Alan Firth, Senior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics
Dr. Panos Athanasopoulos, Lecturer in Applied Linguistics
Dr. Mei Lin, Lecturer in Applied Linguistics and TESOL
Prof. Manfred Pienemann, Professor of Applied Linguistics
Dr. Katie Scott, Lecturer in Applied Linguistics and TESOL
Prof. Paul Seedhouse, Professor in Educational and Applied Linguistics
Dr. Peter Sercombe, Lecturer in Applied Linguistics
Dr. Steve Walsh, Senior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics
Mr. Scott Windeatt, Senior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics and TESOL
Dr. Tony Young, Lecturer in Language and Communication