The Language in Practice research concentration (LIP) is a branch of the University’s Learning Communities Research Area, comprising members of the Division of Communication and Education, and in particular the School of Languages, International Studies and Tourism.

The two main focuses of our research are:

• Intercultural communication
• Language teaching and learning

This research plays a valuable part in enhancing Australia’s capacity to interpret and engage with its regional and global environment, and can contribute significantly to greater understanding of the languages, societies, and cultures of our region as well as to interpreting Australia to the world. These goals are growing ever more important in a world of increasing globalisation and decreasing security.

The aims of researchers in the School are to continue research and develop new lines of research in the following two fields:

• English and Foreign Language Pedagogy
• Computer-assisted language learning
• Learner autonomy and self-access learning
• Flexible learning environments in language education
• Phonetics and phonology
• Foreign language lexicology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics
• Academic literacy; the transition to tertiary study
• Assessment
• Foreign language curriculum design and development
• Content-based literacy development