The very fact you are a language teacher at all signifies that you are using applied linguistics. This branch of linguistics is the practical side of language. As its name suggests, it applies knowledge about language to real-world issues. While it can encompass language teaching overall, it also encourages teachers to ask questions such as "How can I best connect this language lesson with my students' everyday needs?" and "What are some of the social issues my students face that could affect their learning?