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Linguistics Minor

Study Languages in a Globalized World

Our Alumni Have Careers In:

As a scientific study of language structure and acquisition, linguistics informs teaching, learning, testing and assessment of languages.
Linguists apply the scientific structure of languages to inform new technologies, including AI, automated speech recognition and natural language processing.
The linguistic study of speech processes helps professionals effectively accommodate and support speech pathologies.
Linguists analyze how language structures inform societal, political, medical and legal practices.
Linguists reconstruct, document and expand endangered languages, while some create languages for media and arts. Others apply their skills to coaching for dialects and accents.
Technical writers and editors can employ their linguistic knowledge and skills while writing, editing, and designing appropriate documents for various diverse audiences.
Linguists analyze language patterns and codes to inform intelligence services in government and nonprofit sectors.

Learn To

Develop logical reasoning and pattern recognition

Analyze the connection between languages and society

Recognize features of language acquisition, learning, teaching and testing

Appreciate linguistic diversity across spoken and signed languages, dialects and accents

“ The skills that students gain through linguistics — critical thinking, complex problem solving, data analysis, and breaking down of large systems — will help them succeed in any future career endeavors. ”
Dr. Addie Sayers Professor of Linguistics
Program Overview

The Scientific Study of Languages

The linguistics minor at UNCW provides students with an overall understanding of the scientific nature of human languages, spoken and signed. Students take courses in language structure, language acquisition, language in connection with culture and society, structures of specific languages and applied language study.

In this interdisciplinary major, students select from courses in theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics, sociolinguistics and anthropological linguistics. This minor prepares students for further linguistic study while enhancing any fields that involve spoken, signed and written languages.

Students at the Hispanic Cultural Fair

Sample Courses

  • ENG 320: Introduction to Linguistics
  • SPN 308: Hispanic Linguistics
  • ANT 208: Language and Culture
  • FRN 308: French Phonetics
  • TSL 326: Applied Linguistics for ESL
  • ENG 324: Topics in Linguistics
  • GER 322: History of the German Language
  • TSL 423: Second Language Acquisition
See The Full Curriculum

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Department

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