Recognising the human in humanities [Australian Review of Applied Linguistics]

Abstract

In this essay we reflect upon Wolfgang Klein's 1989 paper Schreiben oder Lesen, aber nicht beides, oder: Vorschlag zur Wiedereinführung der Keilschrift mittels Hammer und Meißel (Zeitschrift für Literaturwissenschaft und Linguistik 74. 116-119) about the exponential development of knowledge and the imbalance between the production and reception of this. Whilst appreciating the sentiment, we argue against what seems to be his underestimation of the contribution of humanities. Klein suggests those in our field are content because unlike natural scientists, we "do not harm": We contend we do much more - supporting and enhancing the lives of humankind. When addressing the question of "why do we do what we do?", we answer by saying humanities and specifically applied linguistic researchers make a difference. We strive to understand the linguistic landscape, and to heighten awareness and understanding about culture, language, language learning and communication. Those working in the field advocate for and support those who are marginalised and lack agency, giving voice to those who are often silenced.