Why Linguistics?
Linguistics, which is the scientific study of language, helps us to understand our world. In linguistics, we learn how to think analytically and critically about the ways that we communicate, which are not only rule-governed, but also fantastically innovative, flexible and central to our humanity.
A study of language through linguistics affords us so many ways by which to understand how power happens in our society. Race, gender, sexuality, class, ability, ethnicity, nationality, regionality, interests… language makes these identities and their history happen and vice-versa.
Join us to explore both the considerable diversities within and across languages and the commonalities that all human languages share.
Where to start? Join us in our introductory course
LINGUISTICS 201: Introduction to Language, Linguistics and Power
The course satisfies the Liberal Arts Social Core.
Welcome to Linguistics
A wide variety of linguistics courses exist across campus. Some active current offerings include, but are not limited to:
ANTHROPLOGY 350 – LANGUAGE, CULTURE & SOCIETY
ANTHROPOLOGY/ETHNIC STUDIES/WLC 159/459/559—
LANGUAGE, RACE AND RACISM IN THE US (Intro + Advanced Study)
EDUCATION 479/579—LINGUISTICS FOR TEACHERS
EDUCATION 571—MULTILINGUAL LINGUISTICS (online, Spanish & English)
ENGLISH 490 – HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
GERMAN 339 – GERMAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE IN CONTEXT
GERMAN 350 – INTRODUCTION TO GERMAN LINGUISTICS
GERMAN 351 – GERMAN PRONUNCIATION AND PHONETICS
LINGUISTICS 251 – LANGUAGES OF OREGON
SPANISH 350 – PHONETICS AND PRONUNCIATION
SPANISH 351 – HISPANIC LINGUISTICS
SPANISH 456 – SPANISH IN THE UNITED STATES
WLC 301 – INTRODUCTION TO WORLD LANGUAGE AND CULTURE STUDIES
Future offerings include:
MEDICAL ETYMOLOGIES
In addition, the following programs center linguistics as a core area of inquiry:
Over the next few years, a core group of faculty across Schools and Colleges will continue to build the first linguistics Minor in the history of Oregon State University. Learn more about our linguistics faculty here:
Holly Berman (MA, Applied Linguistics), College of Education
Dr. Tekla Bude (PhD, English Language and Literature), School of Writing, Literature & Film
Dr. Adéla Hall (PhD, German Linguistics), School of Language, Culture & Society
Amy Hansen (MM, Vocal Performance), School of Visual, Performing & Design Arts
Dr. Amanda Kibler (PhD, Education/Educational Linguistics), College of Education
Dr. Valeria Ochoa (PhD, Spanish Linguistics), School of Language, Culture & Society
Dr. Adam Schwartz (PhD, Language, Reading & Culture), School of Language, Culture & Society
For information about linguistics at OSU, contact:
Dr. Adam Schwartz [email protected]
Dr. Adéla Hall [email protected]
Let’s hear from our students
When I think of linguistics, I think of demystification. There is this amazing, universal part of the human experience called language, and linguistics is there to help us make sense of it. Through my coursework at OSU, I’ve explored morphology, semantics and language change to name just a few topics. To my surprise I’ve learned that linguists are using their skills directly in industries as diverse as engineering (computational linguistics), entertainment (translation), and medicine (conversation analysis). I even joined the LSA and listen to a few linguistics podcasts when time permits.
-Ron Davis, German Major
In my career as a computer programmer, I did not give linguistics much attention. But through my German coursework at OSU, I can now analyze a sentence like I analyze a line of computer code. I no longer view a sentence as a hodgepodge of words, but a collection of elements that communicate in a systematic way. This systematic view of sentences has enhanced my ability to read and write in my second language studies at OSU and helped me communicate better in the workplace.
-Steve Anderson, German Major
Linguistics is, for me, the language of language, the mycelial network hidden under our communication, silently omnipresent, threading our (syntax) trees, (word) roots, signs, and sounds into an ever-growing, constantly-changing network. OSU courses in linguistics made my self-expression richer, acted as a catalyst in my language learning endeavors, and, most importantly, continues to improve my communication with both those of this world and those whose language has been preserved.
-Sibel Fernandez, German Major
"My experience with linguistics has been a change in perspective. Through this class (Intro to Language, Linguistics and Power), the value of language has shifted from formal and standardized communication to the ability to tell one’s own unique story."
-Amelie Voutilainen, Biochemistry Major
“Through studying linguistics I’ve been able to realize just how much our languages shape our identities and worldviews. Five years ago, I began learning the Nordic languages to better connect to my heritage. In studying Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian in tandem, I became fascinated with their mutual intelligibility. In Dr. Schwartz’s class I was able to bring my passion to the table, share with others, and study these languages through different lenses (pragmatics, semantics, syntax, etc.). In summer 2023 I even had the opportunity to attend the Linguistics Society of America’s Summer Institute and plan to attend the next Faroese Summer Institute. Not only has all this been super fun, but I know I will also forever carry the foundational knowledge I gained in linguistics to other disciplines and beyond my studies.”
-Wren McClure, Philosophy Major
“Language is one of the many things we engage with every day but rarely stop to think about: it's completely arbitrary but universally impactful solely because of the meaning we ascribe to it. Whether it's been providing a space to confront the hierarchies we inhabit, motivating my work in language preservation and revitalization, or reconnecting me with my cultural identity, OSU's linguistics program has been an invaluable gateway into exploring these assigned meaning and their implications.”
-Mohnish Judge ’24, H.B.S. Philosophy/Economics, currently a Fulbright Fellow in India
As a first generation Mexican American, linguistics has taught me to look beyond stereotypes. Many of us know the phrase “no sabo kid,” and I am no stranger to it. However, through courses taught to me by professors I feel that I have seen linguistics, in general, in a different light. Why do we feel the need to call someone a “no sabo kid”? Where does this stem from? Those questions, and many more were answered, and I feel more at peace about the progress of my own language and life, and ways that I categorized myself. Linguistics teaches us about history, self, and much more.
-Alexa Gómez Silva, Spanish Major