Innovation in Linguistics: what it is and how it is done

Abstract

In this paper, based on the analysis of responses from eight coordinators of stricto sensu postgraduate studies in Linguistics representing the five regions of Brazil, who collaborated with the doctoral research of Sousa (2025), on the dissemination/popularization of linguistic science in the country, we aim to analyze concepts and ways of making innovation in the area of Linguistics. Furthermore, we reflect on the reach of innovation to the general population, given its close relationship with scientific dissemination/popularization. We found that the valorization in terms of funding and the dialogue with other areas from an interdisciplinary perspective constitute ways of instigating scientific innovation in Linguistics, especially understood as essentially intertwined with social demands. We also highlight the recursiveness between innovation in Linguistics and scientific dissemination/popularization, since society’s access to discoveries in the area is a practice of innovation that favors the dissemination/popularization of this science, just as this dialogue between society and science can lead to greater concern among scientists regarding social demands for the production of innovation.