ASSIGNMENGT

On
Applied Linguistics and Learning or Teaching in
TESOL

Advised by:

Prof. Leoung Sophat

Researched by

Ms. Nat Navy

Bachelor’s Degree
Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Linguistics
Major: English Literature
Batch 21

Academic Year 2024 - 2025

 Contents
I. Introduction of Applied Linguistics and TESOL ...................................................................... 1
II. Applied Linguistics ....................................................................................................................... 1
2.1 Definition of AL ................................................................................................................. 1
2.2 History of AL ...................................................................................................................... 1
2.3 Why learning AL ................................................................................................................ 2
2.4 The importance of Al .......................................................................................................... 4
III. Learning or Teaching TESOL ..................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Definition of TESOL .......................................................................................................... 5
3.2 History and Evolution of TESOL ....................................................................................... 5
3.3 Key Concepts and Methodologies of TESOL Instruction .................................................. 6
3.4 Career Opportunities and Paths in TESOL ......................................................................... 7
3.5 The importance of TESOL.................................................................................................. 9
IV. Conclusion...................................................................................................................................... 11

References ...................................................................................................................................................
Cambodian University for Specialties Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Linguistics

Applied Linguistics and Learning or Teaching in TESOL

I. Introduction
The Applied Linguistics (AL) and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program
provides students with a solid foundation of knowledge to formulate, examine and resolve pedagogical and
research questions related to language, language use, second language pedagogy, second language acquisition,
second language assessment, language and technology, and TESOL. The AL and TESOL Program helps
students develop strategies grounded in theory, research, and practice, to teach second and foreign languages;
develop curricula; and assess language performance in a wide variety of national and international contexts.
More specifically, the major in Applied Linguistics (AL) provides students with a solid foundation for
defining and resolving problems related to the nature of language, how it is used in educational and naturalistic
contexts, and how it is taught, learned, and assessed, while the major in TESOL provides students with a solid
foundation in the English language so educational questions related to the teaching, learning, and assessment
of English as a second or foreign language (ESL/EFL) may be understood, formulated, examined, and
resolved.

II. Applied Linguistics

2.1 Definition of AL
❖ ‘Applied linguistics’ is using what we know about
(a) language,
(b) how it is learned and
(c) how it is used, in order to achieve some purpose or solve some problem in the real world.
Those purposes are many and varied, as is evident in a definition given by Wilkins (1999):
❖ Applied linguistics is an interdisciplinary field which identifies, investigates, and offers solutions
to language-related real-life problems. Some of the academic fields related to applied linguistics are
education, psychology, communication research, information science, natural language processing,
anthropology, and sociology. Applied linguistics is a practical use of language. (Google)
2.2 History of Al
The tradition of applied linguistics established itself in part as a response to the narrowing of focus in
linguistics with the advent in the late 1950s of generative linguistics, and has always maintained a socially-
accountable role, demonstrated by its central interest in language problems.

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Although the field of applied linguistics started in Europe and the United States, the field rapidly
flourished in the international context.
Applied linguistics first concerned itself with principles and practices on the basis of linguistics. In the
early days, applied linguistics was thought as "linguistics-applied" at least from the outside of the field. In
the 1960s, however, applied linguistics was expanded to include language assessment, language policy,
and second language acquisition. As early as the 1970s, applied linguistics became a problem-driven field
rather than theoretical linguistics, including the solution of language-related problems in the real world. By
the 1990s, applied linguistics had broadened including critical studies and multilingualism. Research in
applied linguistics was shifted to "the theoretical and empirical investigation of real-world problems in
which language is a central issue."
In the United States, applied linguistics also began narrowly as the application of insights from
structural linguistics—first to the teaching of English in schools and subsequently to second and foreign
language teaching. The linguistics applied approach to language teaching was promulgated most
strenuously by Leonard Bloomfield, who developed the foundation for the Army Specialized Training
Program, and by Charles C. Fries, who established the English Language Institute (ELI) at the University
of Michigan in 1941. In 1946, Applied linguistics became a recognized field of study at the aforementioned
university. In 1948, the Research Club at Michigan established Language Learning: A Journal of Applied
Linguistics, the first journal to bear the term applied linguistics. In the late 1960s, applied linguistics began
to establish its own identity as an interdisciplinary field of linguistics concerned with real-world language
issues. The new identity was solidified by the creation of the American Association for Applied Linguistics
in 1977.
2.3 Why learning AL
Applied Linguistics is worth learning for language learners because it gives you a better understanding
of what you’re doing, gives you more self-compassion, allows you to make better decisions, improves your
speed and ability to learn languages, and demystifies learning multiple languages etc. There are some
reasons such as:
Reason 1: Applied linguistics gives you a better understand of what you’re doing
Knowing some basics of second language acquisition findings and how to apply this to your own
situation really does help to give you a better understanding of what you’re doing, how to make it better,
and why you’re doing it. A lot of language learners start out with a resource or two and follow through in
order like school taught us. They never deviate from the order provided in front of them, and as a result
often find language learning boring, restrictive, too slow or too difficult. As soon as I began to understand

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more about the activities, I was doing to learn I language, I soon gained confidence in taking more control
of my learning. This means if I’m doing something language learning related, it’s with intention (and film
can be made intentional without being made boring!) A huge part of this is understanding why things work
or don’t work for me too. And, honestly, you already have what you need for that bit because it starts with
you. Understanding more about applied linguistics has allowed me to give myself permission to put myself
front and center of any language learning experience.
Reason 2: Applied linguistics gives you more self-compassion
It’s easy to dismiss this as a passing trend. There’s a lot of talk in recent years about mindfulness, self-
acceptance, self-compassion and the like. So I get it if you kind of skim over any mention of those words.
Because it feels like you know what’s about to be said and you already know it matters and you’ll start
doing it tomorrow, right? I get it. It can feel distant when we think of mindfulness as this often exclusively
white privileged woman who has time to meditate for an hour each morning complete with crystals and
incense by her side. Don’t get me wrong, I love a Yoga With Adriene video as much as the next person,
but there’s multiple ways mindfulness can show up in our lives beyond dedicating hours of our week to a
downward dog.
Reason 3: Applied linguistics allows you to make better decisions
How often have you sat down with an hour or so to dedicate to language learning? Finally, the time
you’ve been after! Just you and your languages! And then when that time comes to an end, you feel like
you actually didn’t achieve all too much. A lot of this has to do with the decisions we make during that
time. For example, we overestimate what we can do in that hour and sit a huge pile of books next to us.
This leaves us feeling down when at the end of the hour, we only had time for one chapter from one book.
Or perhaps, you think you can listen to Friends in French in the background as you write your response to
your next French prompt. And then it’s that episode that guest features that person from that other show
you vaguely remember. So you get distracted and check the IMDB page for the episode to find them.
Reason 4: Applied linguistics improves your speed and ability to learn languages
We want it fast and we want it easy. The modern obsession of instant gratification hasn’t done the
world of language learning many favors. Resources feeling pressured to claim that this one will finally get
you to the level you want in X hours, days, week, months. And not only that, it’ll be easy. Not hard and
boring and frustrating like back in school. But more often then not, having these promises presented to us
from the get go means that when after X days/weeks/months, we’re still no further along that an “hola” and
a “gracias”, we blame ourselves. Because the book said it! Right there on the cover! So I must be the
problem. Not quite. First of all, again with the self-compassion. Be kind to yourself and recognise that you

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did nothing wrong. You likely did what you could as your pace. You’re still further along than you were at
the start, even if that further along doesn’t feel much further along at all. Secondly, taking a moment at this
stage to learn how to learn a language and discover all of the things you can do to make language learning
fit you better? That’s what makes it truly easier and quicker. Again, because you are at the centre, not
someone else’s agenda.
Reason 5: Applied linguistics demystifies learning multiple languages
Do you have to wait until you’re B2 in German before starting Dutch? Should the multiple languages
you learn even be from the same family like German and Dutch? Will that be too confusing or would
German and Korean be a better combo? There’re endless questions about learning multiple languages. And
the more you understand applied linguistics as a language learner, the more those questions become
demystified. And the more confident you feel to learn multiple languages. Quite the win! The truth is that
there’s no magic level that unlocks the ability to add in another language. There’s no secret way to not mix
up multiple languages. There’s no surprise combination of languages that can be learnt perfectly at the
same time. Instead, there’s science and research that can help you make informed decisions about how you
want to approach multiple languages in ways that suit you.
2.4 The importance of Al
Applied linguistics is the scientific study of language and its application in real-world situations. It's
important for many reasons, including:
❖ Improving communication: Applied linguistics can help people communicate more effectively
with each other and with customers and clients.
❖ Developing language skills: Applied linguistics can help people learn languages more quickly
and improve their language skills.
❖ Understanding language: Applied linguistics can help people understand the nature of language,
how it's learned, and how it's taught.
❖ Addressing language diversity: Applied linguistics can help people deal with issues related to
the diversity of languages and cultures in society.
❖ Improving language proficiency testing: Applied linguistics can help improve language
proficiency testing by providing a framework for analyzing the structure and content of a test.
Applied linguistics is used in many different areas, including: Language therapy, Marketing,
Business, English language teaching, Translation, and Instruction.

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III. Learning or Teaching TESOL

3.1 Definition of TESOL
TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages; the teaching of English to people
whose first language is not English, especially in an English-speaking country or TESOL is the application
of linguistics to the teaching of English to speakers of other languages. Moreover, TESOL is to teach
English to the non-native speakers. In simple words, the TESOL certification aims to equip you with skills
to teach English to non-native speakers.
TESOL also helps teachers understand how language and culture interact with one another. Many
native English speakers know how to use grammar and vocabulary properly. However, they may not have
the rules to explain the proper application of vocabulary and grammar.
By pursuing the TESOL training, you will be better equipped to teach non-native English speakers.
The certification allows you to teach English in almost any country worldwide. Wherever you plan to work
as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, you will require the TESOL certification.
3.2 History and Evolution of TESOL
Besides understanding the TESOL certification meaning, you should know its two popular forms.

• TESOL as a professional organization

• TESOL as a training program to teach English to non-native speakers

Formed in 1966, TESOL is an independent and professional body representing teachers of English to
speakers of other languages. Moreover, it is a globally recognized education association with more than 13000
members and 90 affiliates. These affiliates are present in more than 120 countries worldwide.

The mission of TESOL is to ensure excellence in English language teaching to non-native speakers. Here
are the five organizations that were involved in forming TESOL.

• The Center for Applied Linguistics

• The Modern Language Association of America
• The Speech Association of America
• The Council of Teachers of English
• The Association of Foreign Student Affairs

The formation of TESOL as a certification course has been influenced by the domestic and international
economic and political climate.

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The following methodologies of the TESOL certification have undergone change over the years by
considering the needs of modern learners.

• The Grammar Translation Method

• The Audiolingual Method
• The Communicative Approach
• The Direct Method

The methodologies and syllabus of TESOL will continue to grow and develop in the future.

3.3 Key Concepts and Methodologies in TESOL Instruction

One should have a sound understanding of the TESOL course meaning. The critical methodologies in
TESOL instruction are:

1. The Grammar Translation Method

It refers to a way of teaching English derived from the classical method of teaching Greek.
2. The Communicative Approach
In TESOL, a communicative approach is a teaching approach that highlights the importance of
accurate communication for learning. With this methodology, the learners acquire the skills to
communicate in English.
3. The Audiolingual Method
It is another essential methodology in TESOL that emphasizes speaking and listening before writing
and reading. The audiolingual method states that students should be taught English directly. Teachers
shouldn’t use the native language of students in class.
4. The Direct Method
In TESOL instruction, the direct method of teaching English implies the immediate use of the target
language. With this method, the learner thinks and speaks using the same medium. Moreover, the
direct approach emphasizes functional grammar. Learners should know about the scope and TESOL
certification definition properly. Here are the essential concepts in TESOL that every learner should
know.

• Present Meaning before Form

It is one of the most essential concepts of TESOL. The meanings and concepts should be presented

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through non-linguistic cues like pictures, videos, etc. Ideas can be more clearly understood by
students compared to complex words and phrases.

• English should be Contextualized

Usually, English used in and out of the classroom typically happens in a context. We communicate in
English based on the situation. But an integral concept in TESOL is to contextualize the classroom
for learners. A clear context acts as a landing pad for learners.
• A Greater Emphasis on the Pronunciation
Knowing about the TESOL certificate meaning and scope will help you evolve as a teacher over
time. It is essential to emphasize pronunciation rather than just the importance of the words. Non-
native speakers need to learn the correct pronunciation to spell words correctly.

3.4 Career Opportunities and Paths in TESOL

TESOL refers to teaching English to non-native speakers in an English-speaking country. Nowadays,
most TESOL programs combine theory with practical teaching experience. Here are the top career
opportunities in TESOL that you should know.

1. English Language Learner Teacher

The most straightforward career path for TESOL graduates is becoming an English language teacher.
ELL teachers are specialized English teachers who work with students who are learning English as a
second language or additional language.
These teachers can work in various settings, such as public or private schools, language institutes, or
as freelance tutors. Their primary responsibility is to help non-native English speakers acquire
language proficiency through interactive lessons, language drills, and cultural insights. An ELL teacher
can expect to earn anywhere around $29,691 every year.
2. ESL/EFL Instructor
TESOL graduates often find opportunities as instructors for English as a Second Language (ESL) or
English as a Foreign Language (EFL) programs. These instructors work with students of all ages whose
first language isn't English while primarily focusing on teaching students how to communicate in
English through reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
ESL instructors are typically geared towards international students or immigrants looking to improve
their English skills to enhance their academic or professional prospects. Since they work with students
from a variety of backgrounds it is essential to be skilled communicators while having flexibility in

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their teaching methods and being sensitive to cultural issues. As an ESL instructor, you can expect to
earn anywhere around $55,957 per annum.
3. Corporate Language Trainer
Many multinational companies seek TESOL professionals to provide English language training to their
employees. These corporate trainers help employees improve their English communication skills,
which is often essential for international business dealings. Additionally, they also offer professional
development and training to their employees.
If you are someone who doesn’t want to work in the education sector despite having an education
degree, this is a good option. As corporate trainers, you would be expected to develop training
materials, manage the training budget, and report on training progress. Your annual salary can be
around $49,032.
4. Teacher Trainer
Schools hire teacher trainers so that they can help enhance the skills of their staff members.
Experienced TESOL professionals can become teacher trainers, sharing their expertise with new
educators entering the field. They often sit in classes of other teachers to observe their teaching
methods and how they manage the classroom.
After this observation, they provide an assessment that includes suggested goals and advice.
Furthermore, they can conduct workshops, seminars, and in-service training to enhance teaching
methods and techniques. A full-time teacher trainer can expect to earn anywhere around $66,258 per
year.
5. Curriculum Developer
TESOL graduates with a knack for designing educational materials can pursue a career in curriculum
development. Curriculum developers work closely with schools to review the course materials and
offer suggestions for improvement areas. They create lesson plans, textbooks, and digital resources
tailored to the needs of English language learners.
One of the primary responsibilities of these professionals is to ensure that the school's curriculum
including the textbooks, exams, and course materials are in line with the state or national requirements.
Other responsibilities can include mentoring and supporting teachers, acting as a liaison between
school leaders and teachers, and reviewing student assessment procedures. A curriculum developer
can earn around $77,252 annually.

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6. Online English Tutor

The rise of online education platforms has created a significant demand for online English tutors.
TESOL graduates can leverage technology to teach English to students across the globe, offering
flexibility in terms of hours and location. If you are one of those aspirants who want to teach
international students but are not able to travel abroad, online opportunities are your safest bet.
However, as an online teacher, you must be experienced and knowledgeable in teaching ESL while
finding creative ways to engage your students online.
Teaching English online also requires online teachers to be aware of the special curriculum materials
and tools that are unique to the online space. With proper preparation and the right attitude, teaching
online can be a rewarding experience and you can expect to earn between $21-$24 per hour depending
on your experience and the location you decide to teach.
3.5 The importance of TESOL
TESOL can increase your chances of landing a teaching job in the US or other countries.
Getting TESOL certified means you have completed a minimum of 120 hours working through the
course content. The 120-hour TESOL certificate has the most comprehensive curriculum. However, it
is beneficial to obtain 150-hour or 250-hour TESOL certificate. Moreover, this course has a self-paced
nature, and students aren’t needed to meet the weekly deadlines. Here are the benefits associated with
the TESOL certification.

❖ Access to Better Opportunities

For TESOL-certified teachers, working and traveling are much more accessible. Moreover, with a
TESOL certification, you will have access to better employment opportunities. This certification is
accepted by most colleges and language schools.
It would be easier for you to build a rewarding career with a TESOL certification. For instance, you
can teach English in countries like China, Mexico, Japan, European countries, etc. Such a teaching
experience will expand your horizons. Excellence in translation, linguistics, and interpreting can lead
to rewarding careers in business. Besides teaching, you can explore career opportunities like speech
pathologists and therapists.
❖ Adds Highly Valuable Skills to Your Resume

TESOL lets you show employers that you’ve formal training in teaching non-native speakers of
English. The TESOL certification will let you streamline your English language teaching skills. By
understanding the TESOL definition correctly, aspirants can learn about cross-cultural,

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communication and language change. In other words, the TESOL certification can enhance your
resume’s value and open up a world of opportunities. Aspirants will have the opportunity to learn
innovative teaching methods and develop Prociency in English training. TESOL is unique as it allows
you to understand the relationship between culture and language.

❖ Upgrade your Communication Skills

One way to define TESOL and its effectiveness can be the way the certifications build your Prociency
in communication. The TESOL course requires a student to hone their communication skills which
come in handy in the future. You can use the learning derived from the TESOL certification in different
aspects of life. TESOL certification also lets you improve your business communication skills.

❖ Makes it Easier for you to Obtain a Visa

The TESOL certification can also make it easier for you to obtain a visa in the country where you wish
to work. Moreover, the certification will boost your chances of being appointed by popular online
teaching platforms. To get approved by these teaching platforms, you need an internationally
recognized teaching certificate. And if you meet their requirements, you can even work remotely part-
time. Being aware of the TESOL meaning will let you understand its scope.

❖ Allows you to Grow Professionally

One of the critical highlights of TESOL is that you’ll grow professionally. The TESOL certification
programs can help enhance your leadership skills and impart you how to grow interactive learning
knowledge for students. For instance, the Advanced Practitioner Program of TESOL allows teachers
to design and create lesson plans. Teachers will also know how to present their findings with this
course. Learning about the TESOL meaning in English will assist you in receiving a globally
recognized certificate.

❖ Grows your Confidence for Classroom Teaching

The TESOL certificates aim to equip you with skills on how to teach. Besides understanding
the TESOL whole meaning, you can learn how to teach abstract grammar topics. You will also be
instructed on how to assess students and manage their behavior.

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IV. Conclusion

In conclusion, Applied Linguistics (AL) and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
(TESOL) are related fields that provide a theoretical foundation for teaching and learning languages. AL and
TESOL programs help students develop strategies for teaching, assessing, and developing curricula for
second and foreign languages. They also provide students with the skills to analyze language and research
issues related to language learning and teaching.

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 References
1. An Introduction to Applied Linguistics edited by Norbert Schmitt and Michael P.H. Rodgers Third
Edition
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Applied_linguistics
3. https://tefl-tesol-certification.com
4. https://www.teachertrainingasia.com/teaching-blog