Bachelor of Arts
Linguistics
About the Major
Embark on a captivating journey into the nuts and bolts of human communication with our Bachelor of Arts program in Linguistics. From syntax and phonetics to semantics and sociolinguistics, you will delve into the multifaceted realm of language and its intricacies. Linguistics also explores the interfacing of language with technology. Whether you're intrigued by the mapping of sound patterns or fascinated by the cultural dimensions of language, our program offers a comprehensive look at the psychological and biological mechanisms of human communication.
At the core of our BA in Linguistics lies the study of language in all its forms. Through rigorous coursework, you will gain insights into the fundamental building blocks of language. Sounds build on one another to form words; words into sentences, and then finally, into discourse. Our classes on phonetics, phonology, syntax, and semantics will give you the tools to analyze the mechanics of how language works. Our psycholinguistics courses will teach you about how our brains process and develop language skills. Our classes in computational linguistics and beyond will give thorough training in understanding the interconnection between technology and language. Additionally, you will learn ‘operational’ aspects of communication; understanding how language functions within various contexts including, but not limited to, the dynamic interplay between language and culture through sociolinguistics, and the revitalization of dying languages.
Led by a distinguished faculty, you will benefit from unparalleled expertise and guidance in your linguistic pursuits. Equipped with a solid foundation in linguistic analysis, graduates of our program emerge poised for success in a diverse range of professions from translation, interpretation, and jobs in the tech industry to academia. Join us in unraveling the underlying processes which lead to the production of what so many of us do seemingly instantaneously every day, language. The work we do can help keep cultures alive, foster communication, and contribute to a wide array of disciplines both in academia and outside.
Degree Requirements Sample Plan
Areas of Study
Phonetics: Dive into the realm of phonetics, where you'll explore the details of speech sounds, from the mechanics of articulation to the nuances of acoustic properties.
Phonology: Trace the sound patterns in human language through phonology, where you'll analyze how sounds interact and form meaningful linguistic structures.
Syntax: Delve into the study of syntax to understand how sentences are structured and how the various parts of a sentence combine in different ways across diverse languages to convey meaning.
Psycholinguistics: Embark on a journey into the human mind with psycholinguistics, where you'll uncover how language is acquired, processed, and represented in the brain, shaping our understanding of cognition and communication.
Computational Linguistics: Explore the dynamic intersection of language and technology in computational linguistics, where you'll harness the power of computers to analyze, model, and understand natural language data.
Language Revitalization: Join the vital mission of preserving and nurturing indigenous languages with language revitalization, where you'll learn strategies for safeguarding linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.
Sociolinguistics: Explore the intricate relationship between language and society in sociolinguistics, where you'll investigate how social factors influence language variation, identity, and communication patterns across different communities and contexts
Emphasis Areas
Linguistics and Language Track
Ideal for students who love learning languages or are interested in a particular language.
General Linguistics Track
Ideal for students who want a breadth or depth of knowledge in the field.
Academic/Professional Track
Ideal for students intending to apply for graduate school or who are in the Honors College.
Career Pathways
Editing: A degree in linguistics provides a deep understanding of language structure, grammar, and semantics, enabling graduates to excel in editing by ensuring clarity, coherence, and accuracy in written communication.
Education: Linguistics graduates possess a comprehensive knowledge of language acquisition, phonetics, and syntax, making them well-equipped to teach languages and linguistics effectively and develop curriculum materials tailored to diverse learning needs.
Language Consulting: Become a language expert advising businesses, government agencies, and organizations on language-related matters, such as branding, localization, and linguistic diversity.
Forensic Linguistics: Apply linguistic analysis to legal contexts, working with law enforcement agencies, legal teams, and courts to analyze language evidence in criminal investigations and court cases.
Computational Linguistics: Enter the field of language technology, developing natural language processing algorithms, voice recognition systems, and language-based software applications.
Language Documentation and Preservation: Work with indigenous communities and language revitalization projects to document endangered languages, preserve linguistic heritage, and promote language revitalization efforts.
Cross-Cultural Communication: Utilize your expertise in linguistics to bridge communication gaps in diverse cultural contexts, working in international relations, diplomacy, and cross-cultural training.
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