Linguistics
Linguistics is the systematic study of language, its sounds, structure, meaning and function.
Linguists are interested in all aspects of language, and in all languages of the world. They are concerned with language variation according to social setting (sociolinguistics), geographical regions (dialectology), and time periods (historical linguistics). Psycholinguistics investigates the relationship between language and the mind.
A degree in linguistics can be of great value in the pursuit of careers in education, law, publishing, library science, social services and language related fields such as communication, computer languages, voice analysis research, English, English as a Second Language (ESL), and communicative disorders.
Representative Job Titles and Areas of Specialization
| Audiologist | Lobbyist | | Bilingual Education | Market Researcher | | Broadcaster | Professor/Instructor/Teacher * | | Communication Disorders Specialist | Psycholinguist * | | Copywriter | Public Relations | | Editor | Publishing | | Foreign Service Officer * | Researcher | | Grant/Proposal Writer | Social Work | | Interpreter | Sociolinguistics | | Journalist * | Speech Therapy | | Lawyer * | Technical Writer | | Lexicography | Translator |
* See Training section
Nature of the Work
Many American linguists are engaged either in the teaching of English as a second language, the preparation of textbooks, or in the planning and administering of English-teaching programs. Some of them are in positions with the United States Information Agency or other government agencies; others are with foreign governments, American universities, or other private organizations.
In recent years, there has been a surge of demand from industry for competent linguists. This is due to developments in artificial intelligence, communication sciences, computer applications in natural-language processing and understanding, information sciences, and other high-technology activities. There are also developing fields in bilingualism, literacy, linguistic problems of ethnic minorities, and other topics in applied linguistics. As a result, graduate programs are offering an increasing number of courses in computational as well as urban and applied linguistics.
Several government agencies, such as the Foreign Service Institute of the Department of State, hire linguists to supervise language training programs. Others, such as the Department of the Interior, have linguists to carry out research on American Indian languages, or to work in specialized fields such as the determination of geographical names for mapping and other purposes.
Lexicographers are involved with the publishing of dictionaries. They are concerned with such matters as pronunciation, the definition of grammatical terms, the various languages, dialectal variation, and etymology. Other areas of publishing in which linguists are involved include foreign language textbooks, editing, consulting, and elementary and secondary programs in reading, writing and spelling.
The role of linguists in speech pathology and audiology is varied. Through research efforts they have improved ways of analyzing and evaluating the language disintegration associated with aphasia in adults. Research has also provided valuable information about the stages normal children go through after the first word appears, enabling the evaluation of child language disorders and the design of intervention programs based on the normal sequence of development.
Technical writing involves putting scientific and technical information into readily understandable language in the preparation of manuals, catalogs, instructional materials and engineering reports. Technical writers are usually part of a team, working closely with scientists, engineers, accountants, and others.
Places of Employment
| Consulting firms | International organizations | | Elementary and secondary schools | Language institutes | | Federal government | Manufacturing firms | | - Central Intelligence Agency | Publishing companies | | - Department of Defense | Research institutes | | - Department of the Interior | United Nations | | - Department of State | Universities and colleges | | Immigration and Naturalization Service | |
Training
Many of the jobs listed above may be obtained with a bachelor's degree depending on the type of coursework completed and experience gained while in school. Those job titles designated by an asterisk generally require specific education and/or experience beyond the bachelor's degree.
A master's degree is sufficient for teaching positions specializing in bilingual education and English as a Second Language. Those considering a career in teaching and research on the university level will need to pursue a doctorate.
For further information and/or career counseling contact the Career Center, Veitch Student Center, Northwest Wing, University of California, Riverside, 951.827.3631.
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