linguistics

Linguistics is the scientific study of language, which can be done in many different ways and from many different perspectives. Here are some of the questions a linguist might ask:

How do children acquire their first language?
How do adults acquire a second language?
How can foreign languages best be taught and learned?
How does language influence the way we interact with each other and think about the world?
How is language used to construct race and how do ideas of race influence language and language use?
What does the structure (phonology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, phonetics) of a certain language look like?
How can we develop theoretical models of how the mind represents and uses language?
How do languages vary?
How do we document, revitalize and reclaim a language?
How can speech be synthesized on a computer or how can a computer be programmed to understand human speech?
How can the language of people with speech disorders be analyzed and rectified?
How are linguistic issues in legal matters to be handled?

For more information also see the LSA website

The answer is -- a lot. That is because linguistic knowledge and skills are helpful in many different jobs where general knowledge about language and critical thinking are required. However, keep in mind that as per other BAs, some of the jobs might require extra skills and professional training. We suggest that you talk with our Linguistics Advisor about your interests and in order to plan your path towards your goal in advance. Also check All Things Linguistic to get started.

The following are some examples of careers that a graduate with a linguistics degree might pursue:

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL): teach English in the US and/or abroad to non-native speakers. Work for companies that teach foreign languages to create their own programs.

Teaching K-12: teach English in private, charter or public schools in the US. Recently, many resources for teaching linguistics specifically in K-12 have also become available; for more information see work by the Advancement Placement Linguistics committee and the Language in the School Curriculum committee.

Language and culture consulting:

work for consulting companies who offer services in translation, interpretation, language training, editing, and cultural awareness training.

Computational linguistics: create computer systems that deal with human language, and that are at the base of search engines, translation software, teaching software and voice recognition systems.

Speech Therapy: linguistics provides an excellent background to then enter MA programs in Speech Language Pathology.

Law: linguistics is one of the most popular majors among people who intend to apply to law school.

Advertisement and marketing: linguists are hired to create brand name products and to work in branding; they also do market research and corporate communications.

Research, testing and creation of language resources: linguists work in companies that create testing, and the material needed to prepare for those tests. They also conduct research that leads to the creation of new materials for the educational market.

Forensic Linguistics: linguists work on legal texts, linguistic aspects of evidence, issues of voice identification, etc. Law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and police departments, law firms, and the courts hire linguists for these purposes.

Teach at the university level: with graduate school education you can teach in community colleges and universities. Some of the departments that might hire a linguist are: Linguistics, English, Anthropology, Ethnic Studies, Foreign Languages, Philosophy, Psychology, and Speech Therapy, just to name a few.

For more ideas see the LSA website.

These are some of the websites where you can find jobs in linguistics, in addition to the ones you would normally consult, such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, etc.

Our department also shares opportunities as they arise, so make sure to follow us on Facebook/Instagram.

If you have been wondering about what it means to do linguistic research and you want to learn more, please contact Dr. Iara Mantenuto.

Research opportunities can include:

Independent studies on topics of interest
Assisting in and learning about the research activities of faculty members in linguistics
Getting involved with some of the opportunities and resources offered by the Office of Undergraduate Research
Presenting at our annual Linguistic Symposium

The North American Computational Linguistics Open Competition (NACLO) is a contest in which high-school students and middle school students solve linguistic problems. In solving these problems, students learn about both the diversity and consistency of language, while exercising their skills in logic. No prior knowledge of linguistics or second languages is necessary.

The English Department at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) is a hosting site for the competition. Please contact Dr. Iara Mantenuto if you or your students are interested in more information.

Also, please visit the official NACLO website