Linguistics & Teaching English
Linguistics Concentration
Sounds, Words, Meanings, and More
The Linguistics concentration introduces students to the scientific study of human language, with a particular focus on English and applied language studies. It draws on a wide range of theoretical and methodological approaches from various disciplines–from the humanities to the social sciences. The Linguistics concentration offers students the ability to study key theories in linguistics and second-language learning, functional aspects of language production and reception, and the impact of social and cultural factors on language use.
This concentration is excellent for students who have an interest in (applied) linguistics and teaching English as an additional language, as well as literature, writing, and education. It is ideal for students who wish to pursue graduate and professional programs related to language as well as those who wish to succeed in careers requiring analytical thought, effective communication, and an in-depth understanding of language.
To find out what classes you take in this concentration, take a look at the Linguistics Advising Check Sheet.
The Linguistics concentration offers you the opportunity to study:
Key aspects of language, including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and discourse patterns
The history of English and the English of Chaucer and Shakespeare
Two foreign languages
Theories and practices in linguistics and second-language learning and teaching
The relationships between linguistic variation and social and cultural variation
What Are Students Saying?
“I love that I have the opportunity to change the way people see things, to share my passion with other people. My friends joke that they hope one day they’ll be as excited about anything as I am about linguistics.”
~ Madison Van Doren, English Major: Language, Minor: Linguistics and Culture
“I went into the Linguistics concentration with a pre-existing interest in languages and curiosity, but with little knowledge about linguistics other than the very surface-level information you learn at a young age. However, I have come to truly enjoy linguistics because it unveils the deeper world of language and its intricacies, while at the same time deepening my interest and appreciation for language and other cultures."
~ Justin Han, English Major: Linguistics
