Applied Linguistics in Digital Contexts
Language, Technology, and Communication
Book Overview
Applied Linguistics in Digital Contexts offers a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic interplay between language and technology. The book traces the historical evolution from early Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) to the integration of sophisticated technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. It examines how digital tools are transforming language education, research, and communication by enabling personalized learning, large-scale data analysis, and new forms of multimodal interaction.
Grounded in sociocultural and multiliteracies frameworks, this work critiques purely pedagogical approaches, instead highlighting how digital practices are embedded in broader issues of identity, equity, and power. It is an indispensable guide for students, researchers, and educators navigating the complexities of language in our technologically mediated world.
About the Author
Tooba Ahmed
Tooba Ahmed is an efficacious English language instructor, researcher, academician, artist, poet, and writer with 17 years of experience in transforming language teaching by integrating innovative pedagogies and technology. Her deep passion for liberal arts has led her to exhibit her painting skills in three exhibitions. Her expertise in English language and literature, ELT, and TESOL ignited a passion for research that led her to present at Harvard University, USA, where she also served as a session chair. A Fulbright scholarship recipient, she served as a language instructor at the University of Oregon for nearly a year. She has been an invited keynote speaker at international conferences and has led roundtable discussions with EFL teachers at institutions like Arizona State University.
Ms. Ahmed’s research is published in HEC-recognized journals, and her academic and professional achievements are highlighted by her contributions as a trainer at national and international levels. Her visit to Oxford University to attend an English language teachers’ summer course deepened her interest in pushing the boundaries of traditional language education. She addresses complex linguistic challenges with practical solutions, and her dynamic personality and love for liberal arts continue to shape the future of the academic world, inspiring educators and learners globally.
Endorsements & Reviews
Tooba Ahmed has crafted an indispensable bridge between applied linguistics and computational science. For linguists venturing into digital methods and for technologists seeking to understand the nuances of human language, this book is a foundational text. Its rigorous examination of NLP, corpus analysis, and big data is both accessible and deeply insightful.
This is more than a theoretical treatise; it is an essential guide for the modern language educator. Ahmed masterfully translates complex topics like VR/AR integration and digital assessment into actionable pedagogical insights. A must-read for teachers and curriculum developers designing learning experiences for the digital age.
In an era often dominated by technological solutionism, Ahmed’s work offers a refreshingly critical and nuanced perspective. The book moves beyond simply cataloging digital tools to thoughtfully interrogating their ethical, social, and cultural implications, making it a vital resource for anyone interested in the future of human communication.
Free & Open Access
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