How To Get Started In Linguistics | There are approximately 6,500 living languages in the world today. Living languages are languages that are still spoken and used, while dead languages are extinct. This means that they aren’t used regularly. Aramaic is one example of a dead language. Other languages are endangered. These are languages that may die out because there are a limited number of native speakers. When these native speakers die, there aren’t new speakers using the language regularly. Mohawk is an example of an endangered language.
Every language has a unique origin and its own words and structure. Similar languages belong to the same language category. For example, romance languages such as French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian share the same origin, have similar words, and have similar language structures. Linguists are language experts. Linguists apply a scientific approach to language studies. Use the tips outlined here to launch a career in linguistics.
Learn different languages.
With the tech advancements in the world, learning new languages has never been easier. Thanks to the Belatone app, you can work through self-paced language lessons anywhere you have an internet connection. Download the app on your computer, tablet, or smartphone and access Belatone classes. The app also lets you connect with native speakers, enabling you to talk to someone fluent in the language you’re learning. Chatting with native speakers is an excellent way to practice your language skills and learn new words. Using the language is how you take theoretical knowledge about languages and convert it into practical knowledge.
You can learn languages such as Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese through the Belatone app.
Explore your career options.
Perhaps you can’t think of anyone who works as a linguist, and you’re wondering if it’s a viable career option. For example, linguists may become lexicographers, who create and update dictionaries.
You could also use your background in linguistics to become an interpreter or translator. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that job opportunities for interpreters and translators are expected to grow by 20 percent between 2019 and 2029. The BLS reports the May 2020 median annual income for these professionals was $52,330.
Linguists can also become speech-language pathologists. Speech-language pathologists work with patients who have communication and swallowing issues. Studying how languages develop is required for this career. The BLS reports speech-language pathologists should expect jobs to increase by 25 percent between 2019 and 2029 and that the median annual income for speech-language pathologists was $80,480 in May 2020.
Find college programs suited to your career goals.
Talk to your high school guidance counselor to identify colleges and universities that offer majors in linguistics. Reviewing college information can help you identify your dream school. The sooner you clarify your college goals, the sooner you can customize your high school curriculum to prepare for college. Your school counselor can help you choose suitable electives that will impress the college admissions board, improving your odds of acceptance to one of your dream schools. Your school counselor can also recommend test prep tutors, ensuring you’re ready to take the standardized tests considered when you apply to colleges.
Work with an admissions counselor to prepare your college application.
With college admission help counseling, you’ll receive expert guidance from professionals who’ve worked on college application review boards. Experienced admissions counselors explain the college admissions process. They break down the application process and help you identify ways to strengthen your application. For example, volunteer work can impress an admissions board. You could also demonstrate you’re the right fit for their school through your application interview. Your admissions consultant will help you prepare for the interview, ensuring you’re ready to put your best foot forward and impress the college board.
Once you’re accepted to college, you can begin your studies and earn your degree, paving the way to a career in linguistics.
Prepare for a future in linguistics by learning different languages and taking the appropriate courses in high school. Identify career goals and colleges that offer linguistics programs. Work with your high school counselor and a college admissions counselor to prepare your college application, ensuring you’ll be accepted to an excellent linguistics program so you can earn the credentials required for your linguistics career.
