UPRT 2021: Studies in English Applied Linguistics

Abstract

Dear Reader, It is with great relief that we herald the publication of this collection of papers after seeing the University of Pécs Round Table (UPRT) conference and e-book series being brought to a halt by the pandemic and its aftermath. Poetically speaking, working on the volume was like watching a phoenix struggle to rise anew from its ashes—as we watched our long-standing biennial conference being left behind with the ashes; therefore, we were all the more determined to keep the UPRT tradition alive by bringing together new empirical studies in the field of English applied linguistics. As evidence for the continued relevance and success of this endeavor, we firstly welcome contributions coming from a young generation of researchers in the field of English applied linguistics, TEFL/TESOL, and language teacher education (see Chapters 1, 4, & 6). Secondly, we are glad to acknowledge that the work of our new and our experienced authors continues to span across such a wide spectrum of English applied linguistics, both in focus and methodology. To say it specifically, we and our authors offer insights into identity-focused approaches as tools for exploring the complex developmental trajectories of foreign language learners (Chapters 1 & 4), teachers (Chapter 3), and other professionals (Chapter 2); online education as a site for language exchange programs (Chapter 5) and a factor to consider in language testing (Chapter 8), corpus building and analysis as gateways to effective instruction in English for specific purposes (Chapter 9), and university instruction as a site for improving intercultural competencies (Chapter 7) as well as pronunciation learning and teaching (Chapter 6). With all this ahead, we wish you a fruitful reading experience and look forward to future contributions along the lines started now or picked up from our previous volumes. Sincerely, the Editors