Applied Cultural Linguistics: Implications for second language learning and intercultural communication

Research in the relatively new field of cultural linguistics has implications for second language learning and intercultural communication. This volume is the first of its kind to bring together studies that examine the implications for applied programs of research in these domains. Collectively, the contributions explore the interrelationship between language, culture, and conceptualisations. Each study focuses on a different language-and-culture. The languages-cultures studied include Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Persian, English, Aboriginal English and African English. The particular conceptual bases of the contributions range from theories of embodiment and conceptual metaphors to theories of schemas and cultural scripts. Several authors directly address the application of their observations to the fields of second language/dialect learning and intercultural communication, while others first present a theoretical analysis and then explore its practical implications. Collectively, the contributions establish a novel direction for research in applied linguistics.

“Based on solid theoretical foundations in cognitive and cultural linguistics, this volume opens up new applied vistas on the teaching and learning of language in its richly cultural context. Sharifian and Palmer's volume is sure to contribute to the active and sometimes acrimonious literature on language and culture, and to chart new directions for research in applied linguistics. I highly recommend this book.”
Dwight Atkinson, Temple University

“This collection of essays establishes a new direction for research in applied linguistics. The question of the relationship between language, culture, and conceptualization, which is the uniting theme in this volume, is of central importance to studies of second language learning and intercultural communication. Based on strong theoretical backgrounds, the studies in this volume make a significant and innovative contribution to the field. I highly recommend this volume.”
Roslyn M. Frank, Professor Emeritus, The University of Iowa