Literacy and Applied Linguistics

Authors

Joe Palmer

Publication Date

1989-01-01

Abstract

This paper contends that the aim of applied linguistics is to help those who work with language to do that work more efficiently, and in line with this aim applied linguistics has been particularly concerned with literacy. However, it suggests that linguists do not really know what literacy is since the process of reading is not fully understood. The language is at one remove from physical experience, often occurring in a personal, abstract context rather than one of social interaction, when oral processes are in use. Therefore, this paper argues that to come to a theory of literacy, an understanding of the functions of language is required. Once this understanding has been achieved then applied linguists can most fully assist educational planners.

DOI

10.58837/CHULA.PASAA.19.2.4

First Page

33

Last Page

44

Recommended Citation

Palmer, Joe (1989) "Literacy and Applied Linguistics," PASAA: Vol. 19: Iss. 2, Article 5.
DOI: 10.58837/CHULA.PASAA.19.2.4
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/pasaa/vol19/iss2/5