Considering emotions as entanglements in applied linguistics

This thematic issue, “Considering Emotions as Entanglements in Applied Linguistics,” explores the complex, relational, and sociocultural dimensions of emotions in language teaching and learning. Moving beyond individualistic and psychodynamic perspectives, the issue proposes a framework of “emotions as entanglements,” highlighting how emotions intersect with spatial and temporal dynamics, ideologies, power structures, and social identities (e.g., race/ethnicity and gender) in educational contexts. Adopting the framework of “emotions as entanglements,” the contributions in this special issue draw on various methodologies to examine how emotions are collectively experienced in entanglement with a sense of belonging, translingual practices, racialized geopolitics, ideological tensions in academia, agency, and power dynamics. By analyzing entangled emotional experiences across diverse geographical contexts, the issue also sheds light on the transformative potential of emotions in fostering solidarity, agency, and resistance. The papers together emphasize that emotions are central to understanding power dynamics, promoting inclusive pedagogies, and addressing inequities in language education. This collection calls for a more nuanced approach to emotions in applied linguistics, urging educators and researchers to consider emotions from the perspective of entanglement. Copyright © 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.