When computers first became available, scholars in the humanities made little use of them. Language applications were introduced by non-linguists. By contrast, numerical applications were pursued widely in the physical sciences, engineering, and business. Only recently have computer languages and hardware been developed for managing human…

Second language acquisition has an identity problem. It is a young field struggling to emerge from the parent fields of education and applied linguistics. In this book, the author proposes a way to help second language acquisition develop a systematic and coherent focus using the philosophy of science as the lens. The structure of the book allows…

Argues that the focus of literacy studies or applied linguistics should not be language, or literacy, but social practices. Introduces a concept of language usage called "Discourse," incorporating words, acts, values, beliefs, attitudes, and social identities as well as gestures, glances, body positions, and clothes. (FMW)