Linguistics
Linguistics, the science of language, is an interdisciplinary field which relates to the diversity of the cultures and languages of the world. It is an integral part of most serious pursuits dealing with aspects of language study and analysis.
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What is Linguistics?
Linguistics, the science of language, is an interdisciplinary field that relates to the diversity of the cultures and languages of the world. It is an integral part of most serious pursuits dealing with aspects of language study and analysis. As the boundaries of the world change, an understanding of individual languages and cultures becomes increasingly important. Communication in this complex society requires knowledge of the workings of languages, as well as their interrelationship within their respective cultures.
Linguistics Degree(s)
Linguistics, BA
All linguistics majors are expected to acquire knowledge of the functions of language at various levels and knowledge of the techniques and methods used in language analysis. A student of linguistics will thereby significantly advance their appreciation of linguistic and cultural diversity.
Contact
Kristin Denham, Linguistics Chair
Kristin.Denham@wwu.edu | 360-650-3217
Department Website(s)
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Linguistics, BALinguistics and English — Multilingual Education Concentration, BA (with Teaching Endorsement Option)
This interdisciplinary major combines the study of language with the study of English literature and of writing studies. The study of linguistics will provide an understanding of social, political, cultural, historical, and economic factors that affect peoples and their languages and will provide students with the tools to apply the findings of linguistic analysis in a broader context. Studies in English engage students in diverse literary heritages as well as fostering the development of sophisticated abilities in critical analysis, creative inquiry, reflective reading, and effective communication and expression.
Contact
Sara Helms, Academic Department Manager
Sara.Helms@wwu.edu | 360-650-3914
Department Website(s)
Linguistics, Literature, and Writing, BA (with Teaching Endorsement Option)
This interdisciplinary major combines the study of language with the study of English literature and of writing studies. The study of linguistics will provide an understanding of social, political, cultural, historical, and economic factors that affect peoples and their languages and will provide students with the tools to apply the findings of linguistic analysis in a broader context.
Contact
Steve VanderStaay, Professor
Steven.Vanderstaay@wwu.edu | (360) 650-3004
Sara Helms, Academic Department Manager
Sara.Helms@wwu.edu | 360-650-3914
Department Website(s)
Students who major in Linguistics will acquire knowledge of language at various levels as well as knowledge of the methods used in language analysis, thereby significantly advancing their appreciation of linguistic and cultural diversity. Linguistics students will gain valuable intellectual skills, including analytic reasoning and argumentation, and they will learn how to study language scientifically by making insightful observations, formulating and testing clear hypotheses, making arguments and drawing conclusions, and communicating findings to a wider community. Linguistics is multidisciplinary degree that prepares students for a variety of professional careers and graduate-level programs.
Western’s linguistics students are regularly accepted into some of the top graduate programs in North America, including, most recently:
- New York University
- University of California Los Angeles
- University of Arizona
- Purdue University
- University of Washington
- University of British Columbia
Western linguistics students are also accepted into International graduate programs including:
- University College London
- University of Edinburgh (Scotland)
- University of Groningen (Netherlands)
- University of Sussex (UK)
Linguistics students are well-equipped for a variety of graduate-level and professional programs and careers. Opportunities may be found in the high tech industry, in K-12 education, in higher education, as computational linguists, as English teachers around the world, as writers and editors, as translators, and in many more areas.
Recent Graduate Employment Positions:
- Senior Business Operation Manager: Welo Data
- Assistant Professor: Simon Fraser University
- Product Education Specialist: Patreon
- Executive Business Administrator: Microsoft
- Senior Linguist: Appen
- Machine Learning Engineer: Pitchbook
- Director of Client Services: Merkava Group
Related Majors
Related Minors
I’ve always loved languages and dialects, but linguistics really opened up an entire world I never knew existed, and because the field is young, that world keeps getting bigger and more diverse. The complexity of languages we speak without even thinking is absolutely, mind-blowingly incredible.
Lauren Gage
Student
For those who major in Linguistics, the Linguistics Club offers a space to engage with language studies through events and discussion. The program supports every major in Linguistics by hosting speakers and workshops that highlight field opportunities and graduate pathways. Additionally, students often showcase their research agendas at Scholar’s Week and various linguistics conferences.
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