Title: THE ROLE OF LINGUISTICS IN TEFL METHODOLOGY<sup>1</sup>
Abstract: This paper begins with a consideration of the language learning process from a transformational point of view. It is suggested that acquiring a language can be thought of as internalizing a set of rules of the language. Next, three possible roles for linguistic theory in TEFL methodology are discussed: (1) TEFL is completely dependent upon linguistics; (2) linguistic theory can be used to justify TEFL classroom activities; and (3) linguistics provides insights into, but does not determine, teaching methods. It is argued that the latter position is the most reasonable role for linguistics vis‐à‐vis foreign language pedagogy.