A Theory of Applied Linguistics:
Imagining and Disclosing the Meaning of Design
By Albert Weideman (2024). Springer
A comprehensive, unifying perspective of the field of applied linguistics, the book demonstrates the usefulness of theory. It explores language policy formulation, language course development, and language assessment from the angle of design. The principles of design revealed in the theoretical analysis are given shape in developing imaginative language interventions to solve vexing language problems not for the sake of theory, but for the benefit of those affected.
“An original contribution to the field, particularly through its deep exploration of language assessment, language policy, and language teaching“.
“The book shows a very deep knowledge of … applied linguistics. It offers a fresh perspective on fundamental concepts of applied linguistics … [a] meticulous analysis and synthesis of complex ideas and theories …” (First reviewer)
“… a potentially paradigm-extending contribution to the field … rich and perceptive exemplifications and references spanning over fifty years.” (Second reviewer)
Responsible Design in Applied Linguistics:
Theory and Practice
By Albert Weideman (2017). Springer
- Provides a framework that enables both practicing and prospective applied linguists to interpret the history of the discipline
- Offers a measure of the relative worth of various traditions in designing language assessments, language courses and language policies
- https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41731-8
“A welcome reference for any reader seeking to grasp the evolution of the field.” Mary Mcgroarty.
Review
“… the systematic historical account that reveals the different conceptual emphases throughout the history of applied linguistics, and the many biases in our designs make it a useful resource for applied linguistic newcomers and learners. While this is by no means an introductory book to applied linguistics, it provides comprehensive and easy to understand insight into the history of the discipline, while also instilling critical thinking and responsible ideas that will help them as future practitioners of the field.
“… appropriate for both personal and academic use in the syllabus of an applied linguistics course in a higher education institution as part of the reading material.
JUAN JOSÉ ARENAS RODRÍGUEZ
Universidad de Chile
juan.arenas@ug.uchile.cl
Link to the full review
Beyond Expression:
A Systematic Study of the Foundations of Linguistics
By Albert Weideman (2009)
This is a book about foundational concepts in linguistics – linguistic primitives – that underlie all linguistic theorising.
The analysis begins by considering the expressive character of language, and the various material lingual spheres in which we use language. Then it systematically surveys various elementary linguistic concepts.
The focus subsequently shifts to linguistic conceptualisation that goes “beyond expression”, to consider how we make sense of language in its social context by using notions such as communication, discourse, text and acceptability.
Free download: Beyond expression by Albert Weideman
” I know of nothing to rival its penetrating critique of linguistics … The book is worth reading for its evaluation of Chomsky alone.”
–Colin Yallop (2010), Per Linguam 26(1): 114-115.
A Framework for the Study of Linguistics
By Albert Weideman (2011). Van Schaik
An invitation to those entering the discipline to become intrigued by things lingual.
The framework allows young scholars entering the field to gain an understanding of why and how the discipline is academically sustainable, a perspective that is likely to be useful beyond the shifts in linguistic paradigms that they will no doubt experience in their academic lifetimes.
“This work is exceptional … because it addresses the problems, distinctions and insights lying at the foundations of the discipline of linguistics“
– DFM Strauss
Straddling Three Disciplines:
Foundational Questions for a Language Department
[DF Malherbe Memorial Lecture 30]
By Albert Weideman (2011)
Language departments sometimes erroneously refer to themselves as ‘disciplines’. Yet even the most rudimentary scrutiny will reveal that they often harbour more than one academic field …
Applied linguistics has, since its inception, been a discipline in crisis. It has always been torn between technocracy and revolution. How can this stark choice be negotiated?
My top five articles on the foundations of applied linguistics
2025
Ignore at your peril: Paradigm choice in applied linguistics. JALT Journal. 46(2): 197-212.
https://doi.org/10.37546/JALTJJ46.2-3
2023
The practicality of theory: Reciprocity, assessment and applied linguistics.
Stellenbosch Papers in Linguistics Plus, 66(1), 177-196.
https://doi.org/10.5842/66-1-935
2021
Ten theses on “Is applied linguistics linguistics applied?”
Academia Letters, Article 2248.
https://doi.org/10.20935/AL2248
2017
Is die toegepaste linguistiek ‘n onderdeel van die linguistiek?
Tydskrif vir Geesteswetenskappe 57(1): 137-153.
https://doi.org/10.17159/2224-7912/2017/v57n1a11
Abstract of 776 words in English: Is applied linguistics part of linguistics? ]
2015
Autoethnography_and_the_presentation_of_belief in scholarly_work.
Journal for Christian Scholarship 51(3): 125-141.
More perspectives …
Uneasy lies the head: poststructuralism in the midst of paradigm contestation in applied linguistics.
Koers 80 (4): 1-7.
2014
Innovation and reciprocity in applied linguistics.
Literator 35(1):1-10.
2014
Positivism and postpositivism in applied linguistics.
In C.A. Chapelle (Ed.). The Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics Vol. 7, pp. 4479-4485.
Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
https://doi.org/10.1002/9781405198431.wbeal0920
2013
Applied linguistics beyond postmodernism
Acta Academica 45(4): 236-255.
Author’s comments 2016/04/25:
- This article contains an update of “Five generations of applied linguistics” published in 1999.
We now identify seven generations. - A keynote address with the same title was delivered at the 2011 ABLA Day:
Applied Linguistics: Bridge-builder in a Globalised World, Antwerpen, 10 Dec. 2011.
2007
Towards a responsible agenda for applied linguistics: Confessions of a philosopher.
Per Linguam 23(2): 29-53.
https://doi.org/10.5785/23-2-54
2007
The redefinition of applied linguistics: Modernist and postmodernist views.
Southern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies 25(4): 589-605.
2006
Transparency and accountability in applied linguistics.
Southern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies 24(1): 71-86.
https://doi.org/10.2989/16073610609486407
2003
Towards accountability: a point of orientation for post-modern applied linguistics in the third millennium.
Literator 24(1): 1-20.
1999
* Five generations of applied linguistics: some framework issues.
Acta Academica 31(1): 77-98.
[* Author’s comment 2016: See the updated history in the 2013 article,
Applied linguistics beyond postmodernism]:
Albert Weideman 