Applied Linguistics

FAQ

Information Resources

 
1

Q. What is "Applied Linguistics"?

Here is what Wikipedia says about Applied Linguistics. This is a good starting point for the broader discussion about the history and expansion of this fascinating field of inquiry.
2

Q. I am a student in the School of Education. Can I look at your MA Thesis collection in the Ling Library?

Please contact the Applied Linguistics Office Coordinator. The coordinator can help you with access permissions.
3

Q. Who is allowed to use the Linguistics Library?

Q. What resources are in the Linguistics Library?

 

The Ling Library is a departmental resource. The Ling Library has copies of most of the MA Theses written in the Dept of Applied Linguistics. There are copies of most LING theses in the Millar Library also.

However, only one copy of each Culminating Experience Project is kept on campus, and that one copy is in the Ling Library. So if you need to see a Project, you will need to visit the Ling Library in East Hall.

Contact the Applied Linguistics Office Coordinator. The coordinator can help you with access permissions.
4

Q. How do I find more TESOL resources for study and jobs?

As a first step, try the Job Prospects FAQ
5

Q. Where can I find a list of all TESOL training programs in the USA and Canada?
That's a great question! One place to start researching might be the USA national TESOL professional association, TESOL.org
6

I would like to be a tutor in adult literacy and survival English.

Can you refer me to community organizations that can use my services?
 
7

I am a member of the public deeply interested in adult literacy.

I heard that someone on your faculty is an expert in adult literacy training.

Several faculty are involved in literacy studies. In particular, Steve Reder is an expert resource.
8

My child attends Atkinson Elementary School and I have a question about the Community English program at Atkinson K-5 School.

Community Partners

Academics, Advisers, IPA, other course-related questions

 
1

Q. How can I check the status of my PSU coursework to make sure I will graduate?
Please contact the department coordinator to make an appointment with your faculty advisor in the Dept of Applied Linguistics. Your adviser can verify your progress and recommend best strategies for a successful graduation.
2

Q. How can I find out who is my academic adviser?

Contact the Applied Linguistics Office Coordinator. The office can look up your records and tell you the name of your adviser. The coordinator can help you set up an advising appt too.

To make an advising appointment, see Faculty Office Hours.
3

Q. What is "IPA"?

IPA is the International Phonetic Alphabet which is used by linguists to denote sounds (more) precisely than word spelling. Applied Ling's own John Jedeloh has written a handy introduction to understanding and using this essential linguistics tool at www.ipa4linguists.pbwiki.com

4

Q. I am the parent of a highly talented high school student who wants to take classes in linguistics.

How can I enroll my high school student in linguistics classes?

Yes, PSU has some special programs designed to bring talented and prepared high school students into the college classroom. High schoolers can start on campus in the PSU summer session.

    Linguistics Dept course offerings are somewhat limited in the summer quarter, but perhaps your gifted student can find an interesting introductory linguistics course in the PSU online schedule.
5

Q. Are there courses for teaching ESL to students with learning disabilities?

Not at present.

Also check courses in Special Education (SPED) at the PSU School of Education.
6

Q. Can I get the training to teach a combination of L-1 American Sign Language (ASL) with L-2 English (ESL)?
Please contact the department coordinator to make an appointment with a faculty advisor in the Dept of Applied Linguistics. The advisor will be able to map out possible plans of study which could make this combination viable.

Students from other PSU departments seeking research collaboration or support

 
1

Q. I am a PSU student in the Communications Dept. I am researching African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in media representations, and someone in my dept said that someone in your dept knows something about AAVE.
As of 2009, expert resources in the dept regarding dialects of American English, especially AAVE, include G. Tucker Childs and Jeff Conn
2

Q. I am a French (or Spanish, or Japanese) major and I would like to take a class in French Linguistics.

Are non-English language linguistics courses taught in the Linguistics Department?

The linguistics courses taught in the Dept of Applied Linguistics are all English-based Linguistics. All classes are taught in English.

There is, of course, frequent reference to the languages of the world in the coursework of the Dept of Applied linguistics. Intensive analysis of non-English language is especially required in course topics such as comparative and historical linguistics, bilingualism etc.

However, French linguistics, Spanish Linguistics, Japanese linguistics (and other world languages, as available) are taught by foreign language instructors. See:

Dept. of Foreign Language and Literature.

3

Q. I am a sociology major working on standardized testing demographics, and my dept says that someone in your dept knows a lot about the TOEFL test.
Many Applied Linguistics faculty are involved in language testing and assessment. In particular, Nike Arnold and Kim Brown, have special expertise.

Updated: 23-Feb-2009