Linguistics Program

Why study Linguistics?

Linguistics focuses on one of the most fascinating human capacities: the ability to communicate using a language. How do we acquire a particular language? How do we use it in different social contexts? How do languages vary and what are the universal principles behind intricate patterns of variation? Such questions led linguists to develop a scientific approach to the study of language as a defining property of human nature.

Studying linguistics will provide skills in problem solving, communication and phonetic transcription. It will also give you the ability to think scientifically about language and analyze linguistic structures, variation and discourse.


The Saint Mary’s approach

Saint Mary’s University offers a unique, comprehensive linguistics program. Faculty with different backgrounds and active research profiles will provide you with valuable training in all core areas of linguistics. One of the major strengths of the program is its interdisciplinary approach, which prepares students for a successful career in any area related to language teaching, documentation and analysis.


Hands-on learning

Linguistics students have participated in exchanges for academic credit in France, Germany, and Japan.

Sample courses offered:

  • Introduction to Linguistics
  • Phonetics
  • Phonology
  • Syntax
  • Semantics
  • Applied Linguistics

Future career opportunities:

  • Language teacher
  • Speech pathologist or audiologist
  • Computational linguist
  • Forensic linguist
  • Writer
  • Translator
  • Policy analyst

What our students are saying

“There are a lot of opportunities that present themselves to Linguistics majors. Speech pathology and therapy, interpreter, foreign language teaching, writing and editing and government careers are just a few.”

- Lauren Kearley, Linguistic student awarded a prestigious Homburg Mobility Award to study in France.


 

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