This free course, Language in the real world, explains and illustrates why a knowledge about how language works (i.e. ‘linguistics’) is helpful – some might say essential – for different aspects of our everyday lives. It provides an introduction to ideas around what language is and to the field of Applied Linguistics, which is dedicated to exploring and addressing situations where language plays a crucial role.

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• understand and describe the key features of (human) language and languages
• understand what applied linguistics is
• explore different contexts where language is a central issue.