What is a linguistics major?

Question

I'm interested in the major, but I'm not really sure what classes you would take, or what jobs you could get. Also, what are some colleges that offer this major?

Answer 1

well first of all, a linguistic major is someone who studies language, whether it is speaking, reading, writing or all of it. Most of the classes would involve the language(s) that you are studying, i.e., grammar, speaking, writing, reading. if you are interested in the history of the language, you would also have to learn that too.

it depends on if you are more in the history/background, you know the more studious type of studying, or if you are more into the applied type. if you are into the applied type, you would have to work on speaking, reading and writing more. for an applied type, you can become a translator (of modern text/speech). if you are more in the history field, you are going to be interpreting ancient greek and such.

most liberal arts colleges offer this major, it isn't uncommon. some linguists can also become teachers in high school and college, whichever you prefer.

good luck!

Answer 2

My alma mater, Univ. of Michigan has a linguistics program.

I don't know what sorts of classes you would take, but I would guess you would probably take a few different foreign languages, anthropology, sociology, psychology, etc.

As for jobs, most linguists I knew were fluent in many different languages, making them ideal translators, interpreters, anthropologists, archeologists, maybe even travel correspondent or tour guide - anything where knowing multiple languages would be useful or necessary.

I don't think linguistics is something you can study as an under-grad, however. It's a Masters and Ph.D program at my school. If you're looking at what to study as an undergrad, take lots of history, at least 2 language classes (non-related languages that is - like French and German. It wouldn't hurt for you to talk to the linguistics department head either, even if you are just an incoming freshman.

Answer 3

It is the studt of language, it's use and origin. There are several divisions. For a better understanding Google the word or look it up in Wikipedia.