To become a linguistic anthropologist, complete a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, linguistics, or a foreign language, learn one or more languages, and apply for jobs in academia or government. A master’s or doctoral degree is usually required, with research and writing about a specific culture being a key component. Jobs can be found through university career centers or online postings.
A linguistic anthropologist studies the relationship between language and culture. To start a career in linguistic anthropology, you will need to complete relevant education, learn one or more languages and apply for jobs. Most linguistic anthropologists work in academia or government.
A bachelor’s degree is the first step towards a job in linguistic anthropology. If you don’t already have a bachelor’s degree, consider selecting a major in anthropology, linguistics, or a foreign language. This degree usually takes four years to complete.
During the final year of your bachelor’s degree, you’ll likely want to start applying to college. Some research assistant jobs are available to those with only an undergraduate degree in anthropology, but most jobs require a master’s or doctoral degree. Some graduate schools allow prospective students to start their PhD. programs immediately after completing a bachelor’s degree, but most programs require completing a master’s degree first.
Completing a graduate degree in linguistic anthropology requires several steps. Generally, you will first take courses in principles of anthropology and linguistics. You will also need to study foreign languages, ancient or modern, depending on the program and your research interests.
The next step is the completion of a thesis for a master’s or dissertation for a doctorate. In linguistic anthropology, this is often the work of ethnography, which is research and writing about a specific culture. Often, ethnography requires a group of people to live together long enough to integrate into their society. In the case of linguistic anthropology, this involves studying your language and observing how language influences sociological relationships.
Once you’ve finished your graduate school, you’ll be ready to start applying for a job as a linguistic anthropologist. If you have a Ph.D., you can apply for teaching jobs at universities. A master’s degree can qualify you to work as an adjunct professor. Some government careers in linguistic anthropology are also available. For example, the US government may hire linguistic anthropologists as consultants on cultural issues concerning regions where they have national interests.
There are several ways to find linguistic anthropology jobs. Professors and researchers or the career center at the university where you worked on your degree may indicate that you have vacancies. Many job vacancies are also posted online.
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