Linguistics Program at the University of Virginia
Language is central to virtually all human activity. Indeed, many argue that language was the single most important factor in the differentiation of the human species from other hominids. Linguists study language as a specialized communicative system with its own distinctive principles of structure and patterning. Apart from the traditional subfields of phonology (the patterning of speech sounds), morphology (word-building processes), and syntax (rules of phrase and sentence formation), there are the interdisciplinary research areas with connections to philosophy, psychology, anthropology, and literature. These include semantics, discourse analysis, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and linguistic anthropology.
A B.A. or M.A. in linguistics permits a student to explore both the independent and interdisciplinary aspects of human language. Courses focus on the analysis of language both at a given point in time and as it changes over time, and cover diverse contemporary approaches to data.
Please browse the following sections for information about the Linguistics Program:
If you have questions about the Linguistics Program, please contact Professor Ellen Contini-Morava.
In Spring 2012 we have inaugurated a new Certificate Program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). The courses counted toward the Certificate can simultaneously count toward the B.A. or M.A. Programs in Linguistics. For more information on the TESOL Certificate, click here.
News & Announcements
- The UVa Linguistic Anthropology Seminar is an informal, interdisciplinary venue for presentations of work in progress by faculty, students, and visiting scholars in linguistic anthropology, linguistics, and related fields. To volunteer a talk or propose a discussion topic, contact Professor Ellen Contini-Morava.
- New Certificate Program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)! Courses counted toward the Certificate can also be counted toward the Linguistics B.A. or M.A. degree. For more information, click here.