Applied Language Studies and Linguistics (DALSL)

The Applied Language Studies and Linguistics Department contains three different sections all united by their concern with the study of language. 

The Linguistics section focuses on the general principles of human languages from formal, functional, cognitive, descriptive and sociolinguistic perspectives. Staff do research on a variety of languages, including English and other Germanic languages, Russian, Chinese, and the languages of Indonesia, Melanesia and Polynesia.  

The Applied Language Studies section offers courses for those interested in the study of language teaching and learning (of English or other languages) whetherfrom the perspective of learners, teachers or policy makers. It aims to promote research-basedteaching in second and or foreign languages.  

The ESOL section offers a variety of courses to assist students from non-English speaking backgrounds improve their English language proficiency. Emphasis is on the particular skills and strategies needed for success in listening, speaking, reading and writing for academic purposes.  

The academic staff of the department are renowned in their respective areas and highly active in research and publication.Over 1,000 students study in the Department each year, taking pre-degree, undergraduate and postgraduate courses. While many of these students are residents of New Zealand, there are also students from all over the world enrolled in courses within the Department.