The program offers the flexibility for direct application to any related career path, including Bible translation, other professional translation, language teaching, or field research and theory.
The degree combines coursework on site with the possibility of one summer of study with the Canada Institute of Linguistics. The emphasis for this program is on integrating theory and strong linguistic analysis with a growing proficiency in modern and classical languages, and spiritual growth and missional focus for cross-cultural work or field research.
What Can I Do with a Linguistics Degree?
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Lexicography
- Teaching a foreign language
- Bible Translation
Sample Core Courses
Introduction to Linguistics
A survey of the major sub-fields of linguistics, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, socio-linguistics, language varieties and an introduction to the history of English. The approach to this course is practical, emphasizing problem solving and providing the field skills necessary for analyzing the structure of English and other languages as a basis for any linguistics or applied linguistics degree (e.g. Bible translation, TESOL).
Issues in Modern Missions
This course discusses the issues of cross-cultural barriers, the importance of getting the Word of God into other languages, the relationship of the missionary to the various phases of the work of evangelism, church planting, partnering, and the place of development projects as an expression of missions. Biblical underpinnings are examined.
Morphology and Syntax
This course introduces the student to principles of linguistics related to syntax and morphology across languages. Coursework develops analytical and problem solving skills and includes typology and comparative analysis, with many examples from English. The impact of native language structure on the acquisition of English as a second or foreign language is also covered, with practical application of relevant theory, research, and principles to an ESL pedagogical context.
Research Methods
A course that develops an understanding of the principles and effective methods and strategies for conducting linguistic research related to literacy and socio-linguistic status of any minority language, dialect, creole or pidgin tongue. Develops practical and analytical skills for the planning, organization and conduct of field research.