We now turn from the question of what kind of subject applied linguistics is. to the question of what topic areas fall within its scope. Unfortunately, establishing the boundaries of applied linguistics is no easy task, Part of the problem here is that applied linguistics is still a comparatively young subject. As such, it is still in the process of forming a distinctive identity of its own. In this sense, applied linguistics can be likened to a volcano that has recently sprung out of the sea, Eventually this volcano will turn into an island wits a relatively clear shape, but for the time being it is impossible to predict exactly what that shape will be. Another problem-as we will see in more detail later-is that applied linguists do not always agree about which topic areas do and do not (or should and should not) fall within the boundaries of their field, Some prefer to define applied linguistics in very narrow terms, while others take a much broader view of the subject,Finally, attempts to define the scope of applied linguistics are inevitably hampered by the eclectic and interdisciplinary character of applied linguistics as an academic subject area, as mentioned previously. The boundaries of interdisciplinary subjects are, by their very nature, much harder to describe than are those of more traditional academic disciplines, and it may even be the case that applied linguistics cannot ultimately be clearly defined in terms of its scope at all.