Language in the real world

This free course, Language in the real world, explains and illustrates why a knowledge about how language works (i.e. ‘linguistics’) is helpful – some might say essential – for different aspects of our everyday lives. It provides an introduction to ideas around what language is and to the field of Applied Linguistics, which is dedicated to exploring and addressing situations where language plays a crucial role.

• Introduction
• Learning outcomes
• 1 What is language?
• 1 What is language?
• 1.1 Language, languages and linguistics
• 1.2 Humans and other animals
• 2 Applied linguistics
• 2 Applied linguistics
• 2.1 Defining the field
• 2.2 Problems with ‘problem’
• 3 Using knowledge about language
• 3 Using knowledge about language
• Conclusion
• References
• Further reading
• Acknowledgements