Ethnic groups with written language resources can be considered a threat to the status quo because they might demand that their language be promoted and used in education and in more government functions, such as in school, in the courts, and in official publications. Doing so, however, might be expensive and drain limited resources. To keep on top of developments, mission agencies and governments often try to plan how and in what areas the minority languages will be promoted and developed. Computer technology in applied linguistics Computer technology has been a boon to applied linguists, and many of our tasks are made easier because of computers. Yet, there's still a need for refinements and developments.
Computer programs are also useful for doing linguistic analysis.
Analysis not only of words, but also grammar and discourse can be facilitated with computer programs. In fact computer technology can help applied linguists with any of the tasks we've mentioned already, from language learning to dictionary production. Well, we've come to number 10 and there are still more areas of AL left, but no more time left. Let me just mention them. Ever since Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak about Jesus in the many languages of the international visitors to Jerusalem, I believe that languages and missions have been intertwined.