Linguistics
 |
What is Linguistics?
People tend to take language for granted. Though it's a fundamental part of all our lives, few of us know much about it. How do languages differ? What do they have in common? How do children learn such a complex skill as speaking? How does a person's language influence their thinking? How does language fit in with society and culture? How and why do languages change?
Linguistics is the scientific study of language. It deals with all these questions and many more. Linguistics can be divided into two broad areas. One is the analytical and systematic study of speech sounds, words, sentences and meaning. The other is the study of the psychological, social and cultural aspects of language.
Linguistics is relevant to language teaching and learning, and to a wide range of professions. If you are learning a language, linguistics adds an extra dimension to your studies and broadens your outlook on language. It also goes together well with Psychology and Sociology.
To study linguistics you don't have to have previous knowledge of any language other than English. In first year, the main language studied is English but we also draw on Aboriginal, Asian, European, and Pacific languages.
Why study linguistics?
People study linguistics for many reasons. You may be fascinated by the beauty and complexity of languages. Or perhaps you are interested in what makes us human, for language is probably the most distinctive human trait. Maybe you are learning or teaching a language, and want to do it better. Or you want to increase your understanding of culture or the social world. As you can see, the study of language can be approached from many different points of view!
Because language is all-pervasive, linguistics has many practical applications. It can help you toward a career in such diverse fields as: language teaching, speech pathology, audiology, speech technology, computer science, information technology, language consulting, translating and interpreting, editing, publishing, journalism and lexicography.
Naturally, studying linguistics helps in the process of learning and understanding other languages. Linguistics at UNE places special emphasis on the languages of our region, that is, Aboriginal languages , Asian languages, and languages of the Pacific.
Linguistics can also widen your appreciation of psychology, philosophy, sociology, computer science, English and communication studies, education studies, and Aboriginal studies. Parts of the subject impinge on biology, physics, archaeology and legal studies.
Linguistics can be a valuable component in an Education degree, and for those interested in teaching English as a second language (ESL), it is vital. The NSW Department of Education has decreed that all intending ESL teachers must have included linguistics in their degree.