Linguistics
Linguistics- the science of language, is the study of social, historical, political, biological, psychological and economic aspects of a language. It focuses on the sounds, words and grammar of specific languages; the relationship between languages; or the universal characteristics of all languages.
The word 'linguistics' has been derived from the Latin words 'lingua' (tongue) and 'istics' (knowledge). Linguistics study, explore all aspects of ancient and modern languages, as well as human language in general.
The field identifies the common element connecting the languages and draws its relevance from archeology, anthropology, psychology, philosophy, sociology, English, computer science and almost all subjects known to mankind. It is the study of not one particular language but of human language in general, its sound, structure, meaning and function. It studies language as a universal and recognisable part of human behaviour. The connection of a language with mind, society and other languages is critically examined in linguistics.
Linguistics careers are excellent for those who are passionate about and intrigued by language and its role in culture, learning and society. The impact of globalisation on business, industry and most professions, recognised the need of cross-cultural communication skills for which linguistic training is a basic requirement. Those who are specialised in linguistics are known as linguists. They study the scientific aspects of a language by observation and analysis of the ways of speaking, and figure out language variations according to social setting, geographical regions, time period; relationship between language and mind and many such issues.
Major branches of study associated with linguistics are phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. Phonetics study the physical aspects of language and the sounds of language, while those who focus on phonology study the function of sound in specific languages or dialects. Morphology involves the study of the units of language, or 'morphemes'. Syntax study sentence structure, or how words combine to form sentences. Those who focus on semantics study the meaning involved in language. Through Linguistic courses, you will learn about organization and use of languages, as well as develop skills in critical reading, argumentation and analysis.
Eligibility & Course Areas
Educational: Linguistics, the science of language focus on the discovery of the universal aspects of languages. Linguistics curriculums involve the description and explanation of language, as well as its origin and evolution. Several under graduate and post graduate degree and diploma programs are conducted in the field of linguistics by various universities/institutes all over India. The minimum requirement for admission to undergraduate program is pass in 10+2 examination. To pursue education at post graduate level, one should possess a graduation in linguistics or degree in any stream. Preference is given to arts scholars or those with linguistic educational background. One can also go for Ph.D and M.Phil in linguistics after masters degree.
Personal attributes: In order to build a career in the field of linguistics, a person should have proficiency in reading, writing as well as speaking the language, in which he/she is conducting the study. A good memory, concentration, rapid responses, speed and accuracy are essential personal qualities one must posses. This field demands attention to detail, rigorous and logical thinking, the ability to develop excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to use language creatively. Organisational ability and good time-management skills, adaptability, good interpersonal skills and being an extrovert are also essential qualities to be in this career area.
Job Prospects & Career Options
A career as a linguist is an attractive proposition, for those who have a flair for languages. Language skills prove to be an essential attribute in many professions. The demand for those trained in linguistics is increasing with the expanding of overseas trade links. There are several areas in which a linguist can work. He can work as an audiologist, communication disorder specialist, broadcaster/ news reader, copy writer, editor, technical writer, translator, publisher, interpreter, language planner, lexicographer, teacher, psycholinguist, tour operator, researcher etc. They can find employment in both public and private sectors. Major employers include government departments and agencies, education and health sectors, travel and tourism sector, journalism and mass communication related organisations, software and computational companies, interpreting and translation services, libraries, business and information management services, media and advertising, publishing houses, international organizations, market research and public relation companies.
Job opportunities for linguists are available in the Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysore; Institute of Hindi Language, New Delhi; Anthropological Survey of India; Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and embassies etc. Publishers abroad often recruit linguists for online dictionaries. Linguists may work with computer scientists to create new computer languages that are more like human languages. Linguists are also in high demand by technology companies to develop websites and voice recognition software. Linguists could also explore job possibilities in hospitals as speech therapists, with call centers as speech trainers or as dubbing and voice experts. They may go for medical transcription job as well. Often, after pursuing courses in linguistics, people like to work as freelancers. Many international organizations like WHO, UN, NATO, etc. also need language experts to function effectively in various parts of the world.
Career fields which linguists can opt are endless. Some among them are
Teaching- Teaching is one of the best options for linguists. They can opt for a career as lecturer in various institutions that impart education in Indian languages. Several government agencies hire linguists to supervise language training programmes. Linguists are also hired to carry out research in various languages, or to work in specialised fields such as the determination of geographical names for mapping and other purposes. Freelancing also offer very good prospects.
Hospitals- People having done post graduation in linguistics are recruited in hospitals as speech therapists or Neuro linguists, who treat speech problems in children and adults.
Banking- A new upcoming field for linguists is banking and financial services sector, where more and more multinational companies are hiring linguists for providing effective phonetics, language input, culture and customer service training to delegates, etc.
Investigation- Linguists play a major role in solving certain criminal cases. Even the CBI has to take the help of a linguist in cases which involve speaker identification. Acoustic phonetics is one of the significant courses of linguistics.
Publishing- Publishers are frequently looking for graduates with knowledge of principles of textual organisation, discourse structure, grammar and semantics. In publishing, linguists are involved with producing foreign language text books, editing, consulting and planning elementary and secondary programmes of curriculum design. They can also become Lexicographers who are involved in the publishing of dictionaries.
Media- Areas of the media such as television, magazine or newspapers could have similar translating, editing or lexicographic needs.
Public Relations- Public relations require a good knowledge of language for communication.
Travel & Tourism- There is a wide scope for the students of languages in the travel and tourism industry where proficiency in at least one language means surety of job. Employers in this field include airline offices, hotels, foreign embassies etc.
Software Careers- The software industry also offers opportunities for linguistic majors, asking linguists to develop search software, voice recognition software, dictionaries and translation software.
Translator/Interpreter- Accurate translation and interpretation require linguistic knowledge. Translators provide written translations of texts, such as business documents, manuals, educational material and literary works. Translators are generally employed by industries, publishing houses, government and research organisations. An interpreter translates the language orally, and they can find employment in judicial services, health care and social work. There are also employment opportunities for translators and interpreters in the military, intelligence, foreign service and diplomatic corps.
Institutes
There are several institutes/universities conducting courses in linguistics. Jawaharlal Nehru University: School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies, is one of the leading centres for linguistics and language studies in India.
Click on the following link for the details of Indian Institutes :
Overseas Institutes :
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