Alex Ding

Addressing the issue of fragmentation in academic English language research, this book takes a holistic approach to the areas of knowledge that converge within academic discourse and texts. The authors argue that this convergence integrates three knowledge areas of a disciplinary community: its social processes, epistemology, and discursive practices. Going beyond the narrower focus of much previous theory and research, the volume advocates an original and integrated approach to the multifaceted nature of the academic language and literacy practices of universities. The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 examines the context of contemporary universities and the broader influences that shape academic language use. Part 2 explores disciplinarity and the three dimensions that together shape academic language: social, epistemological, and discursive. The authors then present an innovative and integrated model of the three dimensions and use it to examine language from social science and STEM subjects. A concluding manifesto argues for an integrative, reflexive and ethical approach to researching academic language. This volume is of interest to anyone concerned with understanding, analysing, and teaching the academic language of universities as it is used for study or research publication purposes.

This volume provides an original theoretical and practical discussion around language ontology, social theory, ethics, and pedagogy to enhance socially committed teaching and scholarship in Higher Education. The authors focus on language and literacy and English for Academic Purposes provisions in HE and bring together social semiotics (Systemic Functional Semiotics) and Bourdieu’s Field Theory to illuminate the norms and orthodoxies which shape practices in these fields. Part 1 aims to ‘break the illusio’ around language ontology, ethics and pedagogy which hinders social justice aspirations. Part 2 proposes ways to recover meaning and move forward, through deliberate ethical considerations, and a detailed and expanded knowledgebase for language educators. The volume will be of interest to anyone involved in language and literacy in Higher Education.

This book contextualizes the field of English for Academic Purposes (EAP), with a particular focus on the professional and academic identity and role of the EAP practitioner. The authors examine previously neglected areas such as the socio-economic, academic and employment contexts within which EAP practitioners function. In doing so, they develop a better understanding of the roles, expectations and constraints that arise from these contexts, which in turn shape professional practice and the identity of the practitioner. As EAP is emerging as an academic discipline with a growing body of published research, this book will appeal to trainee and established practitioners, along with researchers and students of linguistics and education.

This book contextualizes the field of English for Academic Purposes (EAP), with a particular focus on the professional and academic identity and role of the EAP practitioner. The authors examine previously neglected areas such as the socio-economic, academic and employment contexts within which EAP practitioners function. In doing so, they develop a better understanding of the roles, expectations and constraints that arise from these contexts, which in turn shape professional practice and the identity of the practitioner. As EAP is emerging as an academic discipline with a growing body of published research, this book will appeal to trainee and established practitioners, along with researchers and students of linguistics and education.