Chair: Professor Catherine Fortin

Linguistics is the study of the remarkable human capacity to learn and use language.

Can I major in it? Yes. Learn more about the Linguistics Major.

Topics explored: The nature of the systems of mental representation, how these representations arise, what they mean, how they are externalized in sound and gesture, and how languages are put to use in social and literary contexts.

How to get started: Good beginning courses include LING 100: The Noun, LING 110: Introduction to Linguistics, and LING 115: Introduction to the Theory of Syntax. Those who choose to pursue a degree in the liberal arts for linguistics at Carleton are encouraged to take LING 216: Generative Approaches to Syntax and LING 217: Phonetics & Phonology before the end of their sophomore year.