last modified:2008-08-11 13:33:53
About Us
Learn more about the Department of Linguistics
Linguists study language to understand the structure of languages, how they vary and change, how they are used in various contexts, and how they are learned. Linguists believe that an objective study of language will lead to a greater understanding of the human mind. Students begin the study of linguistics by learning how to analyze languages - their sounds (phonetics and phonology), their ways of forming words (morphology), their sentence structures (syntax), and their systems of expressing meaning (semantics). This knowledge serves as the key for understanding language change, the acquisition of languages by children and adults, and language in its social and cultural contexts.
Our Department offers classes in three areas: general/theoretical linguistics; applied linguistics and second language teacher education; and English as a Second Language (ESL). We have BA (major and minor), MA and PhD programs in both general/theoretical linguistics and applied linguistics and second language teacher education. In addition, we offer ESL courses to non-native speakers at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as to those in the University's Conditional Admission Program.
Our general/theoretical tracks offer a strong humanistic and scientific education in the nature of language. Through an in-depth study of the structural properties of languages, how they vary and change, how they are used in various contexts, and how they are acquired, our students develop skills in analysis, logical reasoning, and written and verbal expression -- skills necessary to be highly competitive in today's job market. Students learn to apply the results of their studies to real-world issues, and they achieve a greater understanding of the human mind.
In the applied linguistics and teacher education tracks students learn to take what they learn from language analysis and apply it to the domain of teaching and learning languages (English as a second or foreign language, or other languages). Students are thus prepared with a strong theoretical and practical basis for teaching and teacher education in English as a second or foreign language, teaching and teacher education in another language, or in Bilingual Education. Our students go on to teach at both the K12 and post-secondary levels, and work both in the U.S. and abroad.
A new focus of ours, that includes both theoretical and applied aspects, is on the documentation, maintenance and revitalization of endangered languages, mostly American Indian languages. We have a new certificate (undergraduate and graduate) in that area, and have recently opened a Center for American Indian Languages.
Linguistics is an ideal major for today's university student. It provides the intellectual satisfaction of learning how human language works, while at the same time developing the analytical skills necessary to be highly competitive on the job market. Linguists explore the structure and mechanics of language, the interaction of language and mind and language and socio-cultural factors, as well as what these things tell us about the human mind and the human condition. Employers of all stripes value linguists' capacity for analysis, logical reasoning, and written and verbal expression. A degree in linguistics can lead to work in natural language processing by computers or in the development of natural language text or speech interfaces to computer technology. Students in our applied programs learn about teaching and learning languages (English as a Second Language (ESL) or other languages) and go on to work at interesting and rewarding jobs, often enjoying the benefit of world travel. Other linguists work with indigenous populations on the documentation, maintenance and revitalization of their languages and cultures. Many undergraduate students decide to pursue graduate studies in Linguistics while others enter law school and apply what they have learned about how language works to the legal system.