Linguistics as a Career Choice
Ranjan K Baruah *
We have diversity when it comes to language in our country. We are aware that languages, with their complex implications for identity, communication, social integration, education and development, are of strategic importance for people and the planet. Yet, due to globalization processes, they are increasingly under threat, or disappearing altogether.
When languages fade, so does the world's rich tapestry of cultural diversity. Opportunities, traditions, memory, unique modes of thinking and expression — valuable resources for ensuring a better future — are also lost.
International Mother Language Day which is observed on 21st February recognizes that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion and the Sustainable Development Goals’ focus on leaving no one behind.
The theme of the 2022 is “Using technology for multilingual learning: Challenges and opportunities,” raises the potential role of technology to advance multilingual education and support the development of quality teaching and learning for all.
Anyone interested to work in the field of language and its promotion and safeguard may choose linguistics as their career choice. Aspirants get the opportunity to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. The word Linguistics has been derived from Latin lingua (tongue) and istics (knowledge or science). Etymologically, therefore, linguistics is the scientific study of language.
Linguistics is the scientific study of human language, meaning that it is a comprehensive, systematic, objective, and precise study of language. Linguistics encompasses the analysis of every aspect of language, as well as the methods for studying and modelling them.
It studies language as a universal and recognizable part of human behaviour. It attempts to describe and analyze language. A linguist is a person who engages in these kinds of studies. Linguists are interested in all aspects of language, and in all languages of the world and it is an advantage for people who know different languages.
Linguists are concerned with language variation according to social setting (socio-linguistics), geographical regions (dialectology), time periods (historical linguistics), relationship between language and mind (psycholinguistics) and many such issues.
A degree in linguistics can be of great significance in the pursuit of careers in education, publishing, media, social services, communication, computer languages, communicative disorders, etc. There are many universities offering the course in India and also abroad. Most of the universities in India offer the course for graduates.
The most popular career choice after completing linguistics is teaching. There are many other options that include translation and also lexicographers. Lexicographers are involved in the publishing of dictionaries (electronic as well). There are M Phil and PhD programmes offered by different universities in India.
The International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) aims to ensure indigenous peoples’ right to preserve, revitalize and promote their languages.
It offers an opportunity to collaborate in the areas of policy development and stimulate a global dialogue and to take necessary measures for the usage, preservation, revitalization and promotion of indigenous languages around the world. This shall bring more opportunities for linguists globally.
* Ranjan K Baruah wrote this article for The Sangai Express
Ranjan K Baruah is a career mentor, skill trainer and motivational speaker and can be reached at at bkranjan(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was posted on March 02, 2022.
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