Cunningham C., Hall C. (eds.) Vulnerabilities, Challenges and Risks in Applied Linguistics

Bristol: Multilingual Matters, 2021. — XI, 246 p.The chapters in this book call attention to vulnerabilities, challenges and risks for applied linguistics researchers and the communities they work with across a broad range of contexts from the Global North and South, and in both signed and spoken languages. Together they provide insights on both academic and professional practice across several areas: the vulnerabilities involved in researching, the limitations of traditional epistemologies, the challenges inherent in the repertoire of methodologies and pedagogies employed by applied linguists, and the effectiveness of practical responses to language-related problems. The book encourages those involved in applied linguistics to consider their own practice and their relationship with the communities, policies and educational contexts they engage with in the course of their teaching, research and activism.This is an exciting volume of varied yet conceptually coherent chapters, challenging dominant paradigms in the field of applied linguistics. Established and emerging scholars are brought together, each with an authoritative voice and a committed activist stance. The collection broadens the scope of the field, encouraging it towards a thoughtful, critical, and socially relevant future.Risk, vulnerability and challenge are crucial concepts for a responsive and socially engaged discipline such as applied linguistics. This important volume explores the dynamics of risk in challenging contemporary times and the ways the vulnerability of being 'at risk' can be transformed into resistance and activism. Essential reading for researchers and practitioners engaged in applied linguistic research that aims to make a difference.