TESOL's Applied Linguistics Interest Section (ALIS) looks at language as a communicative system from both theoretical and practical perspectives, applies research and theory to real world contexts, and explores implications for the enhancement of language learning and communication. It draws on linguistic disciplines (e.g., linguistics, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics), as well as on studies of a broad range of language phenomena.

ALIS explores implications for the enhancement of language learning and communication. It seeks to do so through the promotion of discussion, the exchange of information, and joint research.

The ALIS leadership team for 2015–2016 is as follows:

Chair: Nihat Polat
Chair-Elect: David Olsher
Past Chair: Hayriye Kayi-Aydar
Newsletter Editors: Monika Ekiert and Ben White
Community Manager: Eli Hinkel