The French Association of Applied Linguistics and it’s pre-history

Abstract This chapter revisits the foundational history of the French Association of Applied Linguistics (AFLA), established in 1964, to explore the epistemological and political dimensions shaping the emergence of applied linguistics in France. Drawing on archival materials from the Bureau of Studies and Liaison (BEL), the analysis traces how post-war cultural diplomacy and strategic language policies influenced the institutionalization of the discipline. The 1961 conference organized by BEL is examined as a pivotal moment, revealing tensions between linguistic theory and pedagogical practice, and highlighting the dual objectives of promoting French language abroad and legitimizing applied linguistics within academia. The chapter argues that AFLA’s development was deeply intertwined with state-sponsored efforts to disseminate French and with the quest for disciplinary recognition.