Most people are enthralled by the idea of travelling and exploring new cultures and the ways of life of people around the world. One of the most interesting aspects of culture and lifestyle is language. Roughly and broadly speaking, there are around 6,500 recognised spoken languages in the world. In order to understand the essence of culture, language is an important key factor. The study of languages is combined with the study of linguistics; these are two related but different disciplines. Students who study languages as a major learn how to explore how languages and human communication work. This course is apt for aspirants who are eager to learn about the complexities of languages and how they relate in society. Usually, students are given the option of learning a foreign language while on the course. The method of learning is divided into various classifications like language and culture, grammar, syntax, phonetics, morphology, semantics, discourse analysis, history of language to name a few.
Study Levels:
The different study levels that are offered in this sub-discipline are:
BA in Language Studies
BA in English, European Languages and Business Studies
BA English Language, Linguistics and TESOL
BA in English
BA in Linguistics
BA International Business with a Language
BA in English Philology
BA in French Studies
BA in Chinese and History
BA in World Languages, Literature, and Culture
BA in English Language and English Literature
BA in Translation
B.Sc. in English and Another Foreign Language (German, Swedish, Spanish)
Master in Linguistics
MA in Language Studies
MA in English Philology
MA in Languages and Cultures in Africa
MA in Chinese Literature, Language and Culture
MA in Language and Social Justice
MA in Translation
MA in Linguistics
Specialisations:
The study of Languages is a flexible and vast discipline and branches out into further specifications. The information and skills gathered from Language studies can be used in various fields of study.
The different specialisations that students can pursue are:
Linguistics
Foreign Languages
Foreign History
History
Film Studies
Translation
Media Studies
Literature
European Languages
Asian Languages
Middle Eastern Languages
Employability:
Students who pursue a degree in Language studies have a bright and exciting future ahead of them. The skills of a linguist or a language expert are needed in almost every industry these days. Government bodies need skilled and knowledgeable people in the field to help them execute their international relations policies with ease whilst facilitating relations between different countries. Universities worldwide are also in need of language experts for their courses and thus, there is a demand for service in academics as well. Businesses that wish to expand their trade with international companies are also in need of language experts to help ease communication. There is a need for Language experts even in the aviation industry. The media industry is also always on the lookout for experts in the field while reporting international news and the list goes on. Therefore, there are a plethora of job opportunities in this field.
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- The various career choices include:
Archivist
Linguist
Historian
Translator
Interpreter
International Sales Marketing
Teacher
Professor
Hotel Manager
Flight Attendant
Linguistic Tour Guide
Language expert in Embassies
International Correspondence (Journalist)
Brand Specialist
Intelligence Operator
Government Official
Public Service Officer
Human Resource Officer
Research Analyst
Field Researcher
Language Blogger
Language Corporate Trainer
Content Writer
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- The top companies/organizations that offer jobs to graduates of Languages are:
United Nations
Appen
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Colleges and Universities