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This editorial outlines the theoretical framework in which the papers included in the present issue are set. The guiding principle laid out is that investigations of professional practice cannot be limited to the analysis of language use in itself. The inherent diversity of applied linguistic research is discussed, and it is pointed out that what binds much of this research together is the identification of societal problems that are linguistically and discursively manifest, with a conviction that the researcher-analyst has the necessary tools to approach the data, resulting in insights that would be practically relevant. The difficulty achieving this practical relevance leads researchers to position themselves differently and draw upon different research paradigms, some of which are then discussed. The editorial concludes that challenges remain with regard to how to strengthen the interface between professional practice research and applied linguistics, including the occasioning of critical reflections about applied linguists’ professional practice.