Career in Linguistics

Academics

Many Linguistics graduates find work in academic environments - universities, research labs, think tanks and the like. This is an excellent career to pursue if you plan to make Languages and Linguistics your life.


Teaching

Language teachers will find much that is of use in the undergraduate Linguistics courses. They will gain insight, for example, into the following: language structure, the acquisition of language, processes of language learning, and issues of "correctness" and the way language is used in different contexts and for different purposes.


Translation and interpretation

Accurate translation and interpretation require linguistic knowledge. The linguistics modules include sections on language universals, discourse analysis, the structure and meaning of words and sentences, interactional analysis, and the differences between speech and writing, all of which meet this requirement.


Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations

Linguistics courses explore issues such as language and power, intercultural communication, and language attitudes, which have an important bearing on personnel and industrial relations.


Media and Publishing Industries

Academic publishers and media industries are frequently looking for graduates in Linguistics. In particular, people with knowledge of principles of textual organisation, discourse structure, grammar and semantics are indispensable in the field of publishing.


Tourism and Public Relations

Tourism and public relations require a good knowledge of language use in society as well as good communication abilities. An in depth knowledge of South African languages is indespensable when marketing this country. Our undergraduate courses provide access to these skills and this knowledge.


Government

The South African Government has a commitment and obligation to establishing and protecting language rights in South Africa. As a result, Linguists can find work in departments such as Education and Constitutional Development, as well as Government subsidiaries.


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