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 […]
Linguistics is the study of language, covering how and why we use it and what makes one language different from another. Linguistic jobs are varied, including teaching, research, computer and software design, government work, translation, interpretation, lexicography, and fieldwork with obscure or endangered languages. Most people instantly assume that a linguist speaks a variety of […]
Language ideology categorizes people based on their language, including dialect, accent, grammar, and vocabulary. It leads to social discrimination and assumptions about a person’s background and education. Linguistic ideology also applies to written communication, such as texting and social media. Dialects can lead to feelings of hatred and suspicion between different groups. Language ideology is […]
Linguistic relativity is the idea that language controls thought processes in powerful ways. There are two schools of thought, one where language dominates perception and another where it has less impact. The concept dates back to the 19th century and is often referred to as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. Linguistic scientists study the specific ways language […]
Language death is the decline of a language until no native speakers remain, caused by factors such as colonialism or a nation switching languages. Glottophagia and linguicide can be involuntarily imposed on a population. Lack of instruction in schools is a significant feature of a declining language. Language death can lead to diminished ethnic identity […]
Linguistic analysis is the scientific study of language, involving phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. It can describe language rules and processes, aid in language learning and translation, and provide insight into the human mind. Linguists analyze language to understand its structure, meaning, and social use. It has been used to determine historical relationships between […]
Language attrition occurs when people lose their native language due to becoming bilingual or multilingual. The process of acquiring new languages can affect a person’s use of their native language, leading to linguistic death. First language attrition describes the gradual loss of a first language as proficiency in a second language is gained. External factors […]
