"The English department at Dalarna University holds seminars and lectures for students both here on campus as well as online in real time, meaning our students can be anywhere in the world at any time," explains Annelie Ädel, Professor of English.
Over recent years, she and her colleague Jonathan White have been part of a team of teachers that has developed the programme in a subject they feel is very much in keeping with the times.
"Verbal communication is growing increasingly important in all areas of society - business, politics, tourism, professional life. Language means power, something that has become very apparent in the political landscape throughout the world. Ultimately, knowledge about language application is a question of democracy," explains Annelie Ädel.
Language Varies Depending on the Situation
Applied English Linguistics is about learning how to apply English in different contexts.
"We use language in different ways and in different media. We use it in one way in the world of business, in another way in computerised communication, such as email and chat rooms, and in another way when holding a political speech, etc. There are a great many different situations in which English is used, and each one has its own characteristics. Knowledge about this is important for an understanding as to how communication functions."
The fact the application of English is extra interesting results from its dominance as a worldwide language, and there does not appear to be any change in sight in this regard.
"English has become a lingua franca used throughout the world for communication purposes by those who have another mother tongue."
Applicants to the programme require a bachelor's degree in English. They will be awarded a master's degree upon completion of the programme after specialising in a focus area within the field of applied linguistics.
"The programme is designed for those interested in a specialisation in English linguistics. This may include teachers who want to augment their subject knowledge or researchers who want to study a particular phenomenon related to language," states Jonathan White.
Skills In Demand
Students who specialise in the field of linguistics become more employable in a great many areas.
"Workplaces today have a growing need for straightforward and meaningful communication. When it comes to organisations and government bodies, it can be a question of clarity, while for business and industry, it may be a question of profitability," adds Annelie Ädel.
As with all other programmes for the autumn semester, the period of application is from March 15 to April 18, 2017.
"We are hoping to get many applicants, both those who want to study on campus and those who want to study online," says Jonathan White.
Translation based on the original text by Henrik Sjögren.
Photo: Henrik Sjögren.
Annelie Ädel is Professor of English at Dalarna University. She has conducted research on, for example, university students' writing and the way in which computers are used for communication purposes.
Jonathan White is Associate Professor in English and Senior Lecturer at Dalarna University. Currently, he is heading a research project that examines how language changes and is simplified in the context of the Internet.