Summary:
- The article provides a structured overview of the disciplinary hierarchy within language studies, distinguishing between theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics, and English Language Teaching (ELT).
- It highlights the systemic disparity in research funding, noting that while "hard" sciences receive substantial backing, language-related sciences—particularly those outside of STEM-integrated computational linguistics—often face significant challenges in securing financial support.
- The author advocates for a more robust recognition of language sciences as empirical disciplines, arguing that increased funding is essential for addressing complex global communication challenges and pedagogical advancements.