Alastair Pennycook is a distinguished author whose work delves into the complex relationship between language, society, and education. His writing explores how language is used and how it impacts various social contexts, often focusing on issues of power, identity, and globalization. Pennycook's approach is both analytical and critical, seeking to deconstruct common assumptions about language and offer fresh perspectives on its operation in the world. His aim is to provoke readers into thinking about the language practices they encounter daily.
The second edition of this guide offers a comprehensive overview of critical applied linguistics, addressing key issues, debates, and differing perspectives in various language-related fields. It covers topics such as language education, literacy, discourse analysis, workplace language, and translation, making it an essential resource for understanding the complexities of language use in diverse contexts.
The book introduces an innovative framework for understanding language through an assemblage approach, highlighting its dynamic and constructed nature. It challenges traditional views by suggesting that languages are not fixed entities but are formed from various elements, including both linguistic and non-linguistic components. This perspective emphasizes the role of social and physical contexts in shaping language, positioning applied linguistics as a practical assemblage. The work invites readers to rethink the essence of language and its relationship to our embodied experiences.