What is Linguistics?
Modern linguistics, the study of language itself, explores the biological, cognitive, and environmental conditions that make language acquisition possible. Human beings, as far as we know, are the only creatures who can express a limitless number of ideas in sound and sign; the emphasis in linguistics is on a greater understanding of the human capacity for language, rather than the study of particular languages.
Why UT's Linguistics Program?
From the beginning, students at UT learn about exciting career options in linguistics. Today's professionals, for example, may choose to work as theoretical linguistics, sociolinguistics, neurolinguists, or psycholinguists. Others specialize in historical or applied linguistics, and many combine language study with other disciplines, such as anthropology, literature, mathematics, and computer science.
Special interest courses and independent study programs that encourage students to integrate knowledge acquired in other disciplines are available. In short, the linguistics program at UT helps students develop the critical thinking skills they need to achieve both academic and professional success.
