Sub sections:

Linguistics Subject Area

Introduction
Why Study Linguistics at UNE?
Courses
Units
Careers
Partnerships, Networks and Industry Links
Contacts

Audio overview for course

Dr Nick Reid Use the ‘play’ button below to listen to the audio.

Introduction

Welcome to Linguistics at UNE! Linguistics is the systematic study of language, and language is central to all aspects of human endeavour. Linguists are interested in such questions as: How do people acquire language as children and adults? How is language configured in the brain? How are languages structured and how do they differ from one another? What is the relationship between language, culture and the world as humans perceive it? These questions can be studied from cognitive, social and learning perspectives. On this page, you’ll find information about why UNE is a good place to study Linguistics, the courses that can include Linguistics units, the kinds of careers for which Linguistics is useful, and some useful links to other Linguistics-relevant sites.

Why Study Linguistics at UNE?

UNE has one of the most dynamic Linguistics departments in Australia, including some of the biggest names in Australian and International linguistics. We have an active research profile, typically with several concurrent large research grants underway at any time. We have strong links with researchers in other disciplines within the school, particularly Psychology. Our low student:staff ratio means that internal research students get to spend more time with supervisors.

Unlike other universities, we offer flexible delivery modes (internal, external, online-only). We lead the university in innovative approaches to online learning, and have many years of experience in looking after external students, as reflected in high ratings of student satisfaction.

Our MA in Applied Linguistics is a much sought-after graduate qualification.

Courses

Courses focusing on Linguistics. For descriptions of individual units see units in linguistics.

Units

Linguistics at 100 level: students enrol in LING101 and LING102 in their first year. Both units survey the whole field of linguistics and teach the basic skills necessary for the anylysis of English or any other language. No previous knowledge of the subject or of a foreign language is necessary.

LING150, Cross-Cultural Communication, offers insights into communication between people of differing cultural backgrounds.

LING101 Introduction to Linguistics
LING102 Foundations of Linguistics
LING150 Cross-Cultural Communication

Units in linguistics for information on advanced and masters level units.

Careers

Linguistics involves training in data analysis, problem solving, and applications of logic which are broadly applicable to many kinds of career paths. Some subjects within linguistics give students a similar training in these skills as do ‘hard’ natural science subjects. Students studying linguistics also learn a lot about the languages, cultures, and peoples of the world. Linguistics involves many sub-disciplines, each involving slightly different approaches and focus. Some sub-disciplines are very much concerned with learning and education, others with social science and anthropology, and still others are more ‘cognitive’.

If you are learning a language, linguistics will definitely help you.

Graduates in linguistics can expect to be sought after in such fields as Education (particularly in the massive English language teaching market, but also in foreign language teaching, and curriculum development more generally), Speech Pathology, Computer Science (particularly speech processing, programming, systems analysis), Intelligence, Journalism, Foreign Affairs, and Business (particularly cross-cultural business relations).

An area which is very quickly expanding right now is the field of Aboriginal languages, with the implementation of school curricula in traditional languages within NSW, VIC, SA and the NT there is a huge requirement for linguistics graduates, particularly those with some Education training as well.