Notes on Contributors vii Acknowledgements ix 1 Introducing Applied Linguistics 1 li Wei Part I Language in Development 27 2 First Language Acquisition 29 Zhu Hua 3 Second and Additional Language Acquisition 46 Jean-Marc Dewaele 4 Language and the Brain 69 Marjorie Lorch Part II Language in Use 89 5 Language in Interaction 91 María Elena Placencia 6 Intercultural Communication 112 Zhu Hua 7 Literacy and Multimodality 130 li Wei, lisa J. McEntee-Atalianis and Marjorie Lorch Part III Language in Society 149 8 Language Diversity and Contact 151 Penelope Gardner-Chloros 9 Language, Identity and Power 172 Lisa J. McEntee-Atalianis 10 Language Planning and Language Policy 191 li Wei Part IV Language in Public Life 211 11 Language Assessment 213 li Wei 12 Language in Media, Health and Law 228 Malcolm Edwards 13 Translation and Interpreting 245 Malcolm Edwards Glossary 262 Resources List 270 li Wei and Zhu Hua References 285 Index 303

Applied Linguistics provides a complete survey of the core areas of applied linguistics, covering its theories, methods, and key findings. The volume adopts a problem-solving approach, introducing students to key research questions raised by applied linguists, and guiding them through the various approaches to tackling these. This method enables students to identify every-day language and communication issues, and to draw on their own personal experiences when considering the application of theories and methodology to real-life scenarios. The book offers a wide and in-depth coverage of major topics in the field of applied linguistics, including first and second language acquisition, normal and atypical language development, literacy, language assessment, language and identity, language and gender, language contact, language policy and language planning, intercultural communication, language and the professions and translation. Students will also benefit from the study aids featured throughout the book, including chapter outlines, learning objectives, key terms, research questions and answers, study questions, and key readings. Heading up a vastly-experienced and interdisciplinary team of contributors from the renowned department of applied Linguistics at Birkbeck College, University of London, editor Li Wei has created an enjoyable, informative, and balanced introduction to the multi-faceted field of applied linguistics.

“This book treats diverse areas of applied linguistics in a consistently clear fashion. It will allow students to see the scope and value of applied linguistics in human life.” --Vivian Cook, Newcastle University “Under the expert stewardship of Li Wei, this text provides an excellent introduction to the field of Applied Linguistics and serves as a guide that stimulates interest in the field by demonstrating what applied linguistics can contribute to other disciplines.” --Terrence G. Wiley, President, Center for Applied Linguistics, and Professor Emeritus, Arizona State University “Sharp insights, absorbing examples, practical advice, clear explanations characterise this excellent introduction by the Birkbeck (London) team to the fascinating, diverse world of Applied Linguistics.  Strongly recommended for newcomers to the field; it looks set to become the standard introduction.” --Tim McNamara, The University of Melbourne