What is Linguistics?
In a nutshell: Linguistics is the scientific study of language. Linguists apply the scientific method to conduct formal studies of speech sounds and gestures, grammatical structures, and meaning across the world’s 6,000+ languages.
Linguistics in Everyday Life
Whether it’s telling a joke, naming a baby, using voice recognition software, or helping a relative who’s had a stroke, you’ll find the study of language reflected in almost everything you do. Linguists study meaning, discourse, and many other language aspects that you have always wondered about.
Studying Linguistics
When you study linguistics at any level, you gain insight into one of the most fundamental parts of being human- the ability to communicate through language. You can study every aspect of language from functional theory to language acquisition, and computational linguistics to psycholinguistics. Studying linguistics enables you to understand how language works, and how it is used, developed and preserved over time.
Issues in Linguistics
Learn more about a range of issues that linguists are working to address through their participation in the LSA.
The Science of Linguistics
Linguists are not only polyglots, grammarians, and word lovers. They are researchers dedicated to the systematic study of language who apply the scientific method by making observations, testing hypotheses, and developing theories. The science of language encompasses more than sounds, grammar, and meaning. When you study linguistics, you are at the crossroads of every discipline.
Linguistics as a Profession
An undergraduate or advanced degree in linguistics can prepare you for a career in a variety of different fields, including but not limited to: teaching, publishing, national security, international affairs, policy, forensics, medicine and technology.