BA in Linguistics in Boston United States | Boston University

The Linguistics major allows students to investigate how language functions across multiple levels and from diverse viewpoints. Linguistics students analyze the structure, usage, learning, and evolution of global languages. The program seeks to uncover both universal elements in all human languages (spoken and signed) and the variations between different languages and dialects. Phonetics and phonology courses explore language sound systems, while morphology examines word formation. Syntax, semantics, and pragmatics investigate phrase construction and meaning conveyance. Historical linguistics tracks language system changes through time, while sociolinguistics analyzes connections between language forms and social aspects like gender, ethnicity, and geography. Language acquisition studies focus on learning processes from infancy through adulthood.

This flexible major allows students to study two foreign languages of their choice, pursue personal linguistic interests, and examine interdisciplinary relationships. The active linguistics community in Boston/Cambridge provides opportunities to attend lectures, conferences, and other local linguistics activities.

Learning Outcomes
Linguistics majors should achieve:

Comprehension of core questions in contemporary linguistics research regarding formal structure, universals, acquisition, historical development, variation, and social usage, along with essential knowledge in key linguistic theory areas.
Skills to recognize and accurately describe language data patterns, plus the ability to develop thorough linguistic analyses by creating, testing, and refining hypotheses about these patterns.
Practice in presenting original research and/or evaluating existing literature through written work and oral presentations.