Burnaby,
BC,
Canada
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Languages and Linguistics in Burnaby Canada | Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University
|
Burnaby Canada
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Graduate Certificate
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
CAD
6,198
(c. USD4,456.91)
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
12 months
The Indigenous languages and linguistics graduate certificate prepares students for professional roles as language researchers, higher education instructors, and curriculum developers. Participants develop specialized abilities in communication techniques, linguistic documentation, and in-depth analysis of specific Indigenous languages. Certain programs concentrate exclusively on one language (such as Hul'q'umi'num'), while others involve mixed-language groups where students work individually or collaboratively on particular languages, complemented by shared learning materials (including Xaad Kil, Secwepemctsin, and Tahltan). The program highlights each language within its cultural and educational context. This educational approach combines Indigenous knowledge systems with linguistic study and documentation, incorporating mentorship, project involvement alongside traditional lectures and academic writing. Instruction is delivered through partnerships between Elders, cultural experts, and linguistic scholars.
These cohort-based programs will be conducted either within Indigenous communities or through a hybrid of campus and community-based learning. To support working professionals, including school language teachers and other full-time employees, classes are scheduled for late afternoons, evenings, summer terms, or intensive learning blocks.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 7.0
Qualification Requirements
Applicants will be required to meet the minimum University requirements for a graduate certificate. In addition, applicants must be fluent speakers of the language (as assessed by a panel of Elders), or be semi-fluent speakers who have completed the certificate in Indigenous language proficiency at SFU with a CGPA of at least 2.5. Also admissible are students who have completed a BA or BEd, and have studied both the language and some linguistics. All applicants must provide a portfolio containing evidence of being a language specialist, providing examples of products created or projects completed, with role or contribution specified.
Under exceptional circumstances, individuals who have not completed a bachelor's degree with a CGPA of 2.5 may be considered for admission . In this situation, individuals MUST have significant experience and demonstrated expertise in working on the language in the community as a language specialist. This expertise MUST be demonstrated through: a) Academic writing: course papers, conference presentations, journal articles, research reports, proposal submissions, journals, b) Language materials: video and audio tapes, CD's, DVD's, lesson plans, curriculum, translations, transcriptions of taped interviews, stories or other materials produced in the language, transcriptions of taped interviews, reference materials, and c) Professional training: Description of mentorship or research assistantships with linguists, educators, anthropologists, ethnobotanists, workshops and conferences attended. Other pertinent information will be considered.
IELTS - Overall band score of 7.0 of the academic (NOT general) test with a minimum of 6.5 in each section. TOEFL IBT - 93, with a minimum score of 20 in each category. For the paper-based TOEFL test, the University normally requires a score of 580, with TWE 5. Pearson Academic (PTE) - Overall 65 minimum 60 in all of their sections.
Under exceptional circumstances, individuals who have not completed a bachelor's degree with a CGPA of 2.5 may be considered for admission . In this situation, individuals MUST have significant experience and demonstrated expertise in working on the language in the community as a language specialist. This expertise MUST be demonstrated through: a) Academic writing: course papers, conference presentations, journal articles, research reports, proposal submissions, journals, b) Language materials: video and audio tapes, CD's, DVD's, lesson plans, curriculum, translations, transcriptions of taped interviews, stories or other materials produced in the language, transcriptions of taped interviews, reference materials, and c) Professional training: Description of mentorship or research assistantships with linguists, educators, anthropologists, ethnobotanists, workshops and conferences attended. Other pertinent information will be considered.
IELTS - Overall band score of 7.0 of the academic (NOT general) test with a minimum of 6.5 in each section. TOEFL IBT - 93, with a minimum score of 20 in each category. For the paper-based TOEFL test, the University normally requires a score of 580, with TWE 5. Pearson Academic (PTE) - Overall 65 minimum 60 in all of their sections.
Tuition
CAD
6,198