Reconsidering applied linguistics research from ELF perspectives

The research field of English as a lingua franca (ELF) can squarely be classified as one of the major sub-fields of applied linguistics. The close connection of the two, however, has not been explicitly discussed, although it has been reminded in many of the works by ELF researchers such as Seidlhofer and Widdowson. This volume therefore directly explores the connection under the explicit title of the book ELF and AL. The book comprises four parts. Part I theoretically explores ELF communication, its diverse perspectives and the relation with applied linguistics research, while Part II brings regional perspectives into these two. Part III specifically investigates the relationship of ELF and AP with multi-lingual communication and education. The final part, Part IV, examines the issue of ELF and assessment, a typical sub-field of applied linguistics research. With this objective in mind, the introductory chapter starts with revisiting the nature of ELF communication and research as well as the definitions of applied linguistics in theoretically connecting these two fields as well as the sub-fields of applied linguistics. This is followed by a more detailed introduction of each part and chapter.