BA/BS in Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services

Linguistics is the scientific study of human language. It considers what the world's languages share, how each can be described most accurately, how languages diverge over time, and how different tongues relate to one another. A central question is what a speaker holds in mind about the language they speak. At Smith this area is offered as a minor, which lets students explore such questions without leaving their main field. It pairs well with majors in a particular language, philosophy, education, logic and other subjects where the structure and use of language matters. Students develop analytical skills through studying sound, structure and meaning, and learn to look at familiar speech with fresh eyes. The minor supports later work in teaching, translation, technology, research or any career that depends on precise communication.