...attempts to map out the epistemological parameters of an applied linguistics infused with critical awareness....Pennycook investigates a gamut of theoretical fields to suggest ways of thinking about language and language education that go beyond the scientistic posturing and claims to truth and proof which are the basis of much of the research and teaching around language and particularly, English....the book clearly demonstrates the efficacy of the teaching/research nexus.
-Journal of Sociolinguistics
...correctly underscores the importance of historical perspective....Pennycook's approach is both disciplined and eclectic....this author is at once passionate and humble, open and committed. The book is articulate, balanced, and, most important of all, thought provoking....I would recommend it specifically to anyone interested in language and language teaching, and generally to anyone interested in the affairs of the polis and in how we train the next generation of citizens.
-The Modern Language Journal
...Critical Applied Linguistics is a comprehensive introduction to a very complicated branch of linguistics. I found the author's sections dealing with language planning and politics, the global role of English, and identity and subjectivity to be both informative and thought-provoking....each chapter contains useful charts that greatly help to illustrate the main points being made.
-Language in Society
Critical Applied Linguistics is a timely addition to a body of critical work in fields such as discourse analysis, ethnography, sociolinguistics and pedagogy....Those interested in the underlying assumptions of critical studies, in colonialism, resistance and 'third spaces', critical literacy, CDA, SLA, agency, identity, pedagogical frameworks, and inclusivity and exclusion through language use will find much of interest in Critical Applied Linguistics.
-Bilingual Education and Bilingualism
Alastair Pennycook's book is a very clear work that provides a chronological and evaluative perspective of the theories and social practices that have shaped applied linguistics in the domains of sociolinguistics, TESOL, second language education, literacy, discourse analysis, language in the workplace, and translation....This book is very useful for all those who want to learn about the different approaches in languages studies....Another example of the clarity of the book can be seen in the tables presented in all the chapters that provide visual aid and concise summaries.
-Studies: An International Journal
