Three papers were presented at three different conferences from 1990 to 1992: "New Ways of Meaning: A Challenge to Applied Linguistics,""The Act of Meaning," and "Language in a Changing World." Because each paper addressed a different audience, each addresses the topic of meaning and change from a different approach. The first paper summarizes the development of the field of applied linguistics and relates it to the view of the world and its development, suggesting that the things that affect humankind's ability to survive are not just problems for biologists and physicists, but must also be considered applied linguists. The second paper addresses the power of language as vested in the social, biological, political, logical, and historical acts related to meaning. Language is described as a means of access, ideology, metadiscourse, social inequality, and a model. The third paper deals with language and English literacy in the context of language education and the system of meanings inherent in different discourses in modern society. It is suggested that linguists should ask not only how to preserve these variations, but also how to make them a part of and a contribution to the future. Papers contain notes and/or references. (NAV)