Arthur Clement Davies
- Born:
- October 12, 1947, Cardiff, Wales
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Linguist, Academic, Author
Early Life and Education
- Born in Cardiff, Wales to parents who were both schoolteachers.
- Attended Cardiff High School, graduating in 1965.
- Received a BA in Linguistics from the University of Oxford in 1969.
- Completed a PhD in Applied Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh in 1973, focusing on second language acquisition.
Career and Major Achievements
- Lecturer in Applied Linguistics at the University of Lancaster (1973-1985).
- Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh (1985-2012).
- Head of the Linguistics Department at the University of Edinburgh (1995-2000).
- Visiting Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2005.
- Awarded the British Academy Medal for outstanding contributions to the field of linguistics in 2010.
Notable Works
- The Native Speaker Myth (1991)
- An Introduction to Applied Linguistics (2007)
- Several articles in peer-reviewed journals, including "The Future of English as a Global Language" and "Critical Perspectives on Language Testing."
- Conducted research into the issues surrounding what constitutes an 'english autobiography sample' and the limitations of such a concept in a truly diverse global community.
Legacy and Impact
Arthur Clement Davies is a highly regarded figure in the field of applied linguistics. His work on the native speaker myth and his contributions to language testing have had a significant impact on language teaching and research worldwide. His publications continue to be widely cited and used in university courses.
Awards and Recognition
| Year | Award | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | British Academy Medal | British Academy |
| 2005 | Honorary Doctorate | University of York |