Ignore at your peril: Paradigm choice in applied linguistics

Author: Albert Weideman

Applied linguistics faces three key issues: (1) defining the direction the field should take, (2) identifying the best paradigms for its work, and (3) conceptualizing core ideas and concepts effectively. Addressing these requires engaging with the discipline’s philosophy and history. Without this, we risk paradigm conflicts that harm professional progress. This paper proposes a non-reductionist theory of applied linguistics that respects its history, provides a framework to assess paradigms, and promotes transparency and productive work. Examples illustrate how such insights can strengthen the field’s theoretical foundations.