“Myths”, “truths” and the role of Applied Linguistics in contemporary society

Abstract

This paper takes a critical look at what the phenomenon of so-called “post-truth” discourse means for the epistemological foundations of research in Applied Linguistics, particularly studies grounded in what has been termed a “postmodern” view of social life. Based on a perspective of narrative as performance, I propose that research dissemination may be viewed as metanarrative practice and that the validity and robustness of knowledge are thus built during narrative events, junctures at which these metanarratives are interrogated by peers, research participants, editors and so forth. Moreover, I argue that resonant narratives (both those told by research participants and the meta-narratives subsequently woven together by scholars) may be pivotal in bridging the gap between the alleged poles of emotion and reason in order to advance the social issues at the heart of Applied Linguistics ‒ issues which may be side-lined or discredited by what has been deemed post-truth discourse. In line with the Latourian concept of networks ‒ as fundamental in shaping the construction of knowledge ‒ I further suggest that the relations of power with which these are intertwined still require considerable interrogation in order for such narratives to reach a wider audience and potentially engender social transformation.

Keywords

• Post-modern
• Post-truth
• Narrative analysis
• Epistemology
• Meta-narratives