What Is the Meaning of Linguistics?

Put simply, linguistics is the study of language. However, within the field of linguistics are many different subfields. These include the scientific study of language acquisition, interpretation, translation, the scholarly study of the relationships between different languages and between different dialects within a language, and security work. Linguistics is a broad field that attracts computer engineers as well as social academics and security specialists.

Language Acquisition

The study of language acquisition is relatively new. Its purpose is to find how humans learn language as children and as adults. This can be accomplished through computer modeling as well as with animal subjects; there are several famous studies involving teaching parrots to speak and gorillas to use sign language. Knowledge of how humans learn language is important because it can assist doctors and therapists in teaching the developmentally disabled and victims of brain injuries to speak.

Interpretation and Translation

Interpreters and translators are critical to international communication. There is a difference between interpretation and translation; a translator transfers the source material directly into the target language without any personal input. An interpreter transfers target language material into the native language using cultural knowledge and context. Interpretation is more widely used and requires more depth of fluency than translation. This is because the interpreter has to understand idioms, metaphors and other complex language features in both the source language and the native language.

Scholarly Study

Scholars who study the development and history of languages commonly work for universities and colleges. This field is incredibly broad; academic study can focus on the origin of language, the spread of language, the relationships and connections between languages, the formation of dialects and the modern evolution of language. While most scholars of linguistics are polyglots, it is possible to study languages at the lower academic levels with knowledge of only the native language.

Security

There are many opportunities for linguists in the field of security. The military, police and other security-based agencies are always hiring qualified linguists. Some, like the military, will even train you in the desired target language. These positions usually focus on interpretation and translation rather than scientific or scholarly study. This is a field with a very high starting salary; it is common for trained linguists employed by private companies to make six figures.

Training

Training can vary wildly within the field. While most scholars have advanced degrees in a specific branch of linguistics, others may hold degrees in computer science, engineering, medicine, therapy, homeland security, history or a specific language. For example, a person may hold a postgraduate degree in French and an undergraduate degree in computer science, or a possess a combination of military training and targeted language coursework. In linguistics, there are as many combinations and possibilities as there are opportunities within the field.