Linguistics is the scientific study of human language, including language structure, language variation, language change, and the development of language, as well as the psychology and biology of language. Linguistics applies analytic methods to different facets of language, like childhood acquisition of language, sound patterning in language, and the ways in which social groups use language.

Linguistics at Memorial

Memorial has the only linguistics department in Atlantic Canada. The department emphasises data-driven, theoretically informed inquiry into language structure, Indigenous languages, language variation and change, and language acquisition. Memorial is host to exceptional in-house data archives, broad library holdings and state-of-the-art labs and analytical tools.

Admission requirements

You may apply for admission into the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences by indicating bachelor of arts as your program choice on the undergraduate application for admission. Direct entry into the faculty is subject to your meeting the general admission requirements for Memorial University.

You may choose linguistics as your major at the time of application or you can explore your options and declare a major in a later semester by emailing registrar@mun.ca to make your choice official.

Sample first year

Wondering what courses you would take in your first year? Check out a sample program of suggested courses for linguistics students.

Sample courses and degree map

LING 1100 - Introduction to Linguistics
LING 2210 - Language in Newfoundland and Labrador: An Introduction to Linguistic Variation
LING 3000 - Morphology

Linguistics degree map

Degree maps are navigational tools, designed to help you make the right choices throughout your bachelor of arts degree. They cover information pertaining to your studies, provide study tips, career guidance, suggestions for involvement, advice on go abroad activities and on your well being.

Career opportunities

Studying linguistics prepares students for a variety of careers including:

• speech language pathology
• documentation of endangered languages
• natural language software design

Note: some of these careers may call for supplementary education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential learning or professional courses and exams.