Würzburger Thesen zur Angewandten Sprachwissenschaft

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Abstract Applied Linguistics is Linguistics Plus: Compared to non-applied linguistic research, applied linguistics is characterized by a socially cooperative approach that focuses on linguistic and language-related problems and problem areas, a solution-oriented research design, networking with the outside world, and special application skills of the researchers.This is the conclusion of the conference “Applied and Applicable Linguistics – A Position Determination,” held in Würzburg in December 2023. The conference responded to an observation that can be made from a review of theoretical discussions of applied linguistics, but also from observing applied linguistic practice, for example at the conferences of the Gesellschaft für Angewandte Linguistik e. V.: Despite various attempts to define it, there are currently very different views of what applied linguistics is, what specific features characterise it and how it can be delineated from other areas or methodologies of linguistics. This normally causes no issue when, for example, negotiating different positions and a broad research discourse that promotes science – in practice, however, it makes it more difficult for applied linguistics to be perceived and recognised as a discipline in the research landscape and in society. Colleagues working in higher education as well as other sectors often point out the negative consequences for interdisciplinary cooperation, the acquisition of funding or the recruitment of early career researchers. The aim of the conference was therefore to discuss and clarify how applied linguistics is currently defined in German-speaking research practice and, at the same time, to outline a vision for the future ideally sparking further discussion. The focus was not on narrowing discourse, but rather on promoting discourse. The results of the conference are presented here in the form of theses, individually commented on by conference participants. They are intended as a starting point for further programmatic discussion.