What is spoken language and how on earth do we teach it?

Inaugural Lecture: Professor Christian Jones

What is spoken language and how on earth do we teach it?

School of the Arts Library, University of Liverpool.

3 December 2026 - 5:30pm

We are delighted to invite you to the inaugural lecture of Professor Christian Jones, Professor of Applied Linguistics in the Department of English at the University of Liverpool.

We all have conversations every day, but seldom stop to analyse what we are saying or the language we are using. In this lecture, Professor Jones will explore how spoken language can be described in terms of its forms and functions, drawing on research using both native speaker conversation data and speaking test data.

He will consider what this research can tell us about what we say and why we say things in particular ways, before exploring the challenges of teaching spoken language to learners of English as a second language. The lecture will share findings from his research and consider their implications for language learning and future research.

Whether you are interested in Applied Linguistics, English Language, language teaching or communication, or simply curious about how spoken language works, all are welcome.

Light refreshments will be served following the lecture. All welcome.

Description supplied by the event organiser.