Job Description of a Linguistics Specialist
Linguistic specialists study the meanings and evolution of words, sounds and languages. They typically are employed by the government, colleges and universities or private companies to shed light on the complex nature of diction. In general, a high level of education is needed to work with language, and many specialists hold a Ph.D. in the field.
Linguistic Specialist Job Description
Linguistic specialists perform a variety of language-based studies, experiments and consultations. This might include tracing the history of a word or sound or searching for relationships between ancient, foreign and modern languages. While duties can vary greatly depending on what a linguistic specialist is trying to achieve, all jobs in this field revolve around extensively studying words and sounds and trying to develop an overall understanding of language.
Employment Options for Linguistic Specialists
Many linguistic specialists work for different sectors of the government, helping to compile knowledge of language for purposes varying from historical examinations to code breaking. Linguistic specialists also can be found at most colleges and universities, where they might teach classes in linguistics, research and present new ideas in the field or both.
Linguistic specialists also might find work as consultants in the private sector. For example, marketing firms and publishing companies sometimes hire linguistic specialists to give advice on what language to use in advertising and promotions or to help predict trends in pronunciation, slang or diction. Additionally, high-tech companies might bring on linguistic specialists to help develop speech recognition software, check for proper grammar or provide a better understanding of how language is affected by computer use.
Linguistic Specialist Education Requirements
Educational requirements for linguistic specialists generally vary by employer, but a minimum of a bachelor's degree in linguistics is essential. Working for the government or as a consultant with a private company often requires completion of an applied linguistics master's program with a specific track that aligns with the needs of one's employer. To teach linguistics at a college or university or to conduct research in the field, a linguistic specialist typically must hold a Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics.
Related to Job Description of a Linguistics Specialist
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
Graduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics: Program Outline
There are no institutions of higher learning in the United States offering graduate diploma programs in applied...
Learn Anthropology on the Web: 10 Top Anthropology Blogs
Anthropology is a vast field that spans ethnography, genetics, media studies, culture studies, linguistics and even...
Undeclared: Linguistics
Are you someone who's interested in words? Maybe you wonder how human beings acquire language and think about the role...
Cultural Anthropology Degree Program Information
Cultural anthropology students can choose from both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Coursework in each...
Salary and Career Info for a Literature Professor
- Online Spanish Teaching Degree Program Information
- Online Linguistics Degree: Distance Learning Program Overviews
- Top Schools for Celtic Languages and Linguistics
- Delaware (DE): University and College System
- Top School for a Degree in E-Commerce - Anaheim, CA
- Top School with Medical Assisting Education Programs - Dallas, TX
- Top Ranked University for a Master's Degree in Business Finance - San Francisco, CA
- Distance Learning Programs in Comparative Literature: Degree Info
- Linguistics Majors: Information and Requirements
- Top University for a Degree in Information Technology - Anaheim, CA
- Top Ranked School for a Human Resource Management Degree - Dallas, TX
- Top School for a Mental Health Counseling Degree - Phoenix, AZ

