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Linguistics Minor
![Word cloud of words related to linguistics such as langauge and grammar](/cas/wlc/images/Linguistics_1.jpeg)
What Is Linguistics?
Linguistics is the scientific study of language, an in-demand field in the globalized world.
See Linguistics Minor details below.
Why Study Linguistics?
Language is
- an essential aspect of humanity and diversity
- a fundamental part of culture, identity, discrimination, politics, human rights, and more
- a coherent, dynamic system that changes in response to society and over time
Critical awareness of how language works in the world we live in is necessary for solving the challenges that we face.
![Students at the annual Mueller Lecture. Students at the annual Mueller Lecture.](/cas/wlc/images/FloresLectureAudience.jpeg)
Language as a singularly human element is fundamental to our societies and our humanity. In the Linguistics minor you will learn about how language affects all aspects of society and social relations. You will also learn about language itself as a coherent yet dynamic system that changes over time in response to its social environment.
Since language underpins how we interact and how we see ourselves and, critical linguistic study is key to understanding the world we live in and the human and ethical challenges we face.
Linguistics is an in-demand field for employers since language and communication are fundamental to all industries – a trend that is only growing with technology and globalization.
Q & A
Can I still minor in Linguistics if I don't speak another language?
YES!
Not all linguists are bilingual! The Linguistics minor can be done entirely in English. However, one of the minor’s strengths is that it draws on our rich WLC course offerings, and we encourage you to explore WLC language electives.
How will the Linguistics minor fit into my program of study?
The Linguistics minor is designed to interface with our WLC majors and minors and is a great complement to majors in other departments.
Anthropology
Communications
Critical Race, Gender, and Cultural Studies
Education
International Studies
Psychology
Sociology
And more!
For More Information
- Academic Advising for Linguistics:
Tara Pylate, 202-885-1452
wlcprogramadvisor@american.edu - General Program Information:
Dr. Amelia Tseng,
Linguistics Coordinator
tseng@american.edu - AU Linguistics Instagram Follow us on Instagram
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News & Notes
- Amelia Tseng's "Playground Learning: African American English in Latinx Linguistic Repertoires" examines how Latinx children acquired African American English as a second language through play and peer socialization.
- The Hugo J. Mueller Linguistics Lecture Series presented "A Raciolinguistic Genealogy of the Self" by Dr. Nelson Flores of U Penn in October.
- Amelia Tseng published "Language Induces an Identity Crisis for the Children and Grandchildren of Latino Immigrants."
![Groups of people talking](/cas/news/images/AdobeStock_509325992_1200_5589884_1200x630.jpg)
The Power of Words: CAS Launches Linguistics Minor
Amelia Tseng talks about Linguistics as key to understanding humanity
Word cloud image source: Paapati | Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International