Toward an Understanding of the Role of Applied Linguists in Foreign Language Departments

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the results of a survey conducted with foreign language program directors and coordinators in American university foreign language departments. The goal of the survey was twofold. First, it aimed to compile a profile of these individuals: their backgrounds, research, and teaching and coordinating responsibilities. A second objective was to investigate whether the participants consider themselves to be applied linguists. Despite the fact that most participants interviewed are arguably practicing applied linguists, many of them hesitated to identify themselves as such. This ambivalence reflects recent heated discussions about the field of applied linguistics, a debate that was sparked by Firth and Wagner's provocative (1997) article. We call for more voices in this ongoing dialogue. The future of the diverse field of applied linguistics depends upon a variety of perspectives, including more input from applied linguists within foreign language departments.