From descriptive linguistics to applied linguistics in Côte d'Ivoire: analysis andproposals

70/ Revue des Études de la Langue Française, Cinquième année, N° 8, Printemps-Été 2013
From descriptive linguistics to applied linguistics in Côte d'Ivoire: analysis and
proposals
Kouadio, Pierre Adou Kouakou
Félix Houphouët Boigny Abidjan-Cocody University, Côte d’Ivoire
Institute of Applied Linguistics & Department of Language Sciences
padoukk@yahoo.fr
Received: 11.1.2013 Accepted: 14.8.2013
This article aims at making a critical analysis of the implementation of Applied Linguistics in
Côte d'Ivoire. In Africa, despite the existence of numerous linguistic research institutes and a
considerable amount of work description in African linguistics and / or French, the results that
were expected are not yet satisfactory. This is the case with the promotion of French language at
the expense of local languages which are already sufficiently described to be taught and
promoted. We continue to witness the lowering of French among learners. It was also felt that
research in linguistics consists solely of description. Scientific research whose results do not
serve the community is a fruitless search. Ivorian Linguistic research does not escape this reality.
There is a linguistic description without application and without benefit to the various
communities to which it relates. In this analysis, we will first of all be discussing the state of
implementation of Applied Linguistics in Côte d'Ivoire, then we will give what could be the
reasons for what can be called the crisis of Applied Linguistics and finally propose some
solutions for a proper implementation of the results achieved by the description.
Keywords: Descriptive linguistics, Applied linguistics, Côte d’Ivoire, Analysis, Proposals