都柏林大學

Why is this course for me?

Language is something we take for granted but it is one of the most important skills we possess as human beings. It is hard to imagine any activity that does not involve language in some way. This makes linguistics (the scientific study of language) one of the most intriguing and interesting subjects. Linguistics asks, and answers, such questions as:

• How are languages structured?
• How is language acquired?
• Where did language come from?
• Why do no other animals have language?

By studying linguistics you will find the answers to these and other questions. Some of the answers may surprise you, and some will prompt you to explore more profound and interesting questions.

What Will I Study

First Year

Modules are introductory in nature and provide an overview of the many interesting topics dealt with in Linguistics, including:

• The sounds used in languages
• The structure and meaning of words and sentences
• The way language is acquired by children
• How we use language to express ourselves and to communicate with others

Second & Third Year
Modules provide a more in-depth analysis of the areas already introduced, as well as looking at other areas such as:

• Language Variation & Change
• Language Disorders
• Endangered Languages
• English as a World Language
• Intercultural communication
• The corpus-based Study of Language

Linguistics modules comprise a lively mix of lectures and tutorials and hands-on exercises.

International Study Opportunities

Students of Linguistics have availed of opportunities to study abroad as part of their BA, at universities in:

• Paris, France
• Barcelona, Spain
• Valladolid, Spain,
• Bilbao, Spain,
• North Carolina, USA
• Toronto, Canada
• Waseda, Japan

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Studying Linguistics develops essential skills that will allow you to pursue a diverse range of careers, including:

• Speech and language therapy
• Language teaching
• Editing & publishing
• Journalism
• Business
• Advertising
• Software development
• Database analysis

Some of these careers may involve graduate study beyond linguistics, but students can also pursue MA and PhD studies in one of the many areas of linguistics, as well as related areas such as cognitive science, computer science or sociology.