Obtaining a PhD?

Question

I don't understand what a PhD can be obtained in. Anything? I am really interested in languages and someone suggest I go for a PhD in language. Is that actually possible? Are there specific topics you can study? Thanks!

Answer 1

One can obtain a PhD in any discipline (subject) taught at a university.

One can obtain a PhD in the study of any particular language (French, German, Russian, English, etc.), and one can obtain a degree in Linguistics (the study of the operations of language itself).

When one works toward a PhD in a particular language, one studies the literature written in that language, as well as the particular cultures that use that language. For example, one could get a PhD in French, specializing in literature written in French produced by authors from the Ivory Coast in Africa. (PhD-level study is all about specialization.)

PhD students who study a particular language often want to teach at the university level after they complete their degrees. Some others want to work in the private sector, perhaps for an NGO, or a government, or in a diplomatic capacity.

One could also work toward a PhD in linguistics, specializing in one of many very different fields. Theoretical Linguistics focuses on language structure and meaning. Applied Linguistics often currently focuses on computer-assisted translation, natural language processing, and other technological problems and issues. Neurolinguistics focuses on the biological processes of language. Some anthropologists specialize in "anthropological linguistics," which focuses on the operations of language in a particular culture. Here's a link that summarizes the major fields within the study of linguistics:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linguistics

A PhD student in linguistics could, for example, specialize in historical linguistics, and study the differences between Afrikaans and Dutch, two languages important to South African culture, using a methodology called "discourse analysis."

Linguists are often conversant in many languages, and use (daily) the International Phonetic Alphabet ,a system of notation using special symbols to represent the sounds made in all languages of the world. Check out this link to learn more about IPA:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Phonetic_Alphabet

After completing a PhD in linguistics, students often want to teach at the university level, but some opt for corporate employment in research capacities. Applied linguistics students are most often interested in the latter, for instance.

I hope this helped.
Best wishes to you!

Answer 2

A PhD is an original contribution to knowledge. It is possible to do a PhD in just about anything. Although you may start to study a specific topic, you will not know where your contribution will be. (usually, it is something that you or your supervisor or committee identifies as original or interesting).

There are plenty of PhD opportunities in language use, origin, etc

When you do a PhD you become a world expert in something obscure -- not necessarily something useful. The certificate indicates you have demonstrated a capability for original thought which you have explained clearly

Answer 3

Phd is a research degree and not a professional title, it will not grant you Doctor title.
Only in third world where they call Phd doctors, because they are mostly ignorant.

Answer 4

It will be better to contact a professor of the topic you are interested in because those people are engaged in the current research. Visit websites of universities nearby you and read profiles of the professors. They list research papers published by them . Also search google scholar to read more.

Answer 5

There are considerations for PhD students, I just dont know what they are. Please consider contacting the school you attended for graduate school for assistance. Also try googling whatever you are interested in. GOOD Luck

Answer 6

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_of_Philosophy