BA (Hons) Linguistics

We tend to take our ability to produce and understand speech for granted until we try to learn another language, watch how a child learns a first language, or witness the effects of language handicap. Linguistics is the study of language structure and use, how languages are acquired, how they are used, and how they may be impaired. Because speech is so central to our existence it is a fascinating and rewarding subject to study.Linguistics is the study of how language works and is used. Linguists look at not only how people learn, understand and speak language, but also at the way different people use language differently. Linguistics has a theoretical dimension but also an applied dimension – such as language technology, language policy and language in education.The kinds of topics which are usually possible to study during your course also include how the brain categorises language, how children acquire a new language, historical changes in language grammar, and how we express meaning via the way we speak.In the first instance you will learn about the grammar of English and/or Welsh (there are both English- and Welsh-medium modules available in each year), but you will also be able to find out about the grammars and speakers of other languages.The role of languages in multilingual societies is another key feature in many of the modules you can take. Bilingualism – meaning a person’s ability to use more than one language, but also referring to communities where multiple languages are used – is a norm in many parts of the world, and you will get the chance to examine languages in their different social, political and cultural contexts, through the lens of linguistics. You will have the opportunity to learn about the ways in which different languages are different or similar in terms of their grammar, how society and language go hand-in-hand, and the functions and status that different languages have across the world.‘Placement Year’ and 'International Experience Year’ options are available for this course. You will have the opportunity to fully consider these options when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto such a pathway at the appropriate time. You can find more information about these options on our website and if you have any questions, please get in touch.If you don’t have the required qualifications for this degree-level course or are looking to re-enter education after time away from study, then a Foundation Year Programme might be the right choice for you. Please see English Language and English Literature (with Foundation Year) QQFC.