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211 Research Topics in Linguistics To Get Top Grades

research topics in linguistics

Many people find it hard to decide on their linguistics research topics because of the assumed complexities involved. They struggle to choose easy research paper topics for English language too because they think it could be too simple for a university or college level certificate.

All that you need to learn about Linguistics and English is sprawled across syntax, phonetics, morphology, phonology, semantics, grammar, vocabulary, and a few others. To easily create a top-notch essay or conduct a research study, you can consider this list of research topics in English language below for your university or college use. Note that you can fine-tune these to suit your interests.

Linguistics Research Paper Topics

If you want to study how language is applied and its importance in the world, you can consider these Linguistics topics for your research paper. They are:

  • An analysis of romantic ideas and their expression amongst French people
  • An overview of the hate language in the course against religion
  • Identify the determinants of hate language and the means of propagation
  • Evaluate a literature and examine how Linguistics is applied to the understanding of minor languages
  • Consider the impact of social media in the development of slangs
  • An overview of political slang and its use amongst New York teenagers
  • Examine the relevance of Linguistics in a digitalized world
  • Analyze foul language and how it’s used to oppress minors
  • Identify the role of language in the national identity of a socially dynamic society
  • Attempt an explanation to how the language barrier could affect the social life of an individual in a new society
  • Discuss the means through which language can enrich cultural identities
  • Examine the concept of bilingualism and how it applies in the real world
  • Analyze the possible strategies for teaching a foreign language
  • Discuss the priority of teachers in the teaching of grammar to non-native speakers
  • Choose a school of your choice and observe the slang used by its students: analyze how it affects their social lives
  • Attempt a critical overview of racist languages
  • What does endangered language means and how does it apply in the real world?
  • A critical overview of your second language and why it is a second language
  • What are the motivators of speech and why are they relevant?
  • Analyze the difference between the different types of communications and their significance to specially-abled persons
  • Give a critical overview of five literature on sign language
  • Evaluate the distinction between the means of language comprehension between an adult and a teenager
  • Consider a native American group and evaluate how cultural diversity has influenced their language
  • Analyze the complexities involved in code-switching and code-mixing
  • Give a critical overview of the importance of language to a teenager
  • Attempt a forensic overview of language accessibility and what it means
  • What do you believe are the means of communications and what are their uniqueness?
  • Attempt a study of Islamic poetry and its role in language development
  • Attempt a study on the role of Literature in language development
  • Evaluate the Influence of metaphors and other literary devices in the depth of each sentence
  • Identify the role of literary devices in the development of proverbs in any African country
  • Cognitive Linguistics: analyze two pieces of Literature that offers a critical view of perception
  • Identify and analyze the complexities in unspoken words
  • Expression is another kind of language: discuss
  • Identify the significance of symbols in the evolution of language
  • Discuss how learning more than a single language promote cross-cultural developments
  • Analyze how the loss of a mother tongue affect the language Efficiency of a community
  • Critically examine how sign language works
  • Using literature from the medieval era, attempt a study of the evolution of language
  • Identify how wars have led to the reduction in the popularity of a language of your choice across any country of the world
  • Critically examine five Literature on why accent changes based on environment
  • What are the forces that compel the comprehension of language in a child
  • Identify and explain the difference between the listening and speaking skills and their significance in the understanding of language
  • Give a critical overview of how natural language is processed
  • Examine the influence of language on culture and vice versa
  • It is possible to understand a language even without living in that society: discuss
  • Identify the arguments regarding speech defects
  • Discuss how the familiarity of language informs the creation of slangs
  • Explain the significance of religious phrases and sacred languages
  • Explore the roots and evolution of incantations in Africa

Sociolinguistic Research Topics

You may as well need interesting Linguistics topics based on sociolinguistic purposes for your research. Sociolinguistics is the study and recording of natural speech. It’s primarily the casual status of most informal conversations. You can consider the following Sociolinguistic research topics for your research:

  • What makes language exceptional to a particular person?
  • How does language form a unique means of expression to writers?
  • Examine the kind of speech used in health and emergencies
  • Analyze the language theory explored by family members during dinner
  • Evaluate the possible variation of language based on class
  • Evaluate the language of racism, social tension, and sexism
  • Discuss how Language promotes social and cultural familiarities
  • Give an overview of identity and language
  • Examine why some language speakers enjoy listening to foreigners who speak their native language
  • Give a forensic analysis of his the language of entertainment is different to the language in professional settings
  • Give an understanding of how Language changes
  • Examine the Sociolinguistics of the Caribbeans
  • Consider an overview of metaphor in France
  • Explain why the direct translation of written words is incomprehensible in Linguistics
  • Discuss the use of language in marginalizing a community
  • Analyze the history of Arabic and the culture that enhanced it
  • Discuss the growth of French and the influences of other languages
  • Examine how the English language developed and its interdependence on other languages
  • Give an overview of cultural diversity and Linguistics in teaching
  • Challenge the attachment of speech defect with disability of language listening and speaking abilities
  • Explore the uniqueness of language between siblings
  • Explore the means of making requests between a teenager and his parents
  • Observe and comment on how students relate with their teachers through language
  • Observe and comment on the communication of strategy of parents and teachers
  • Examine the connection of understanding first language with academic excellence

Language Research Topics

Numerous languages exist in different societies. This is why you may seek to understand the motivations behind language through these Linguistics project ideas. You can consider the following interesting Linguistics topics and their application to language:

  • What does language shift mean?
  • Discuss the stages of English language development?
  • Examine the position of ambiguity in a romantic Language of your choice
  • Why are some languages called romantic languages?
  • Observe the strategies of persuasion through Language
  • Discuss the connection between symbols and words
  • Identify the language of political speeches
  • Discuss the effectiveness of language in an indigenous cultural revolution
  • Trace the motivators for spoken language
  • What does language acquisition mean to you?
  • Examine three pieces of literature on language translation and its role in multilingual accessibility
  • Identify the science involved in language reception
  • Interrogate with the context of language disorders
  • Examine how psychotherapy applies to victims of language disorders
  • Study the growth of Hindi despite colonialism
  • Critically appraise the term, language erasure
  • Examine how colonialism and war is responsible for the loss of language
  • Give an overview of the difference between sounds and letters and how they apply to the German language
  • Explain why the placement of verb and preposition is different in German and English languages
  • Choose two languages of your choice and examine their historical relationship
  • Discuss the strategies employed by people while learning new languages
  • Discuss the role of all the figures of speech in the advancement of language
  • Analyze the complexities of autism and its victims
  • Offer a linguist approach to language uniqueness between a Down Syndrome child and an autist
  • Express dance as a language
  • Express music as a language
  • Express language as a form of language
  • Evaluate the role of cultural diversity in the decline of languages in South Africa
  • Discuss the development of the Greek language
  • Critically review two literary texts, one from the medieval era and another published a decade ago, and examine the language shifts

Linguistics Essay Topics

You may also need Linguistics research topics for your Linguistics essays. As a linguist in the making, these can help you consider controversies in Linguistics as a discipline and address them through your study. You can consider:

  • The connection of sociolinguistics in comprehending interests in multilingualism
  • Write on your belief of how language encourages sexism
  • What do you understand about the differences between British and American English?
  • Discuss how slangs grew and how they started
  • Consider how age leads to loss of language
  • Review how language is used in formal and informal conversation
  • Discuss what you understand by polite language
  • Discuss what you know by hate language
  • Evaluate how language has remained flexible throughout history
  • Mimicking a teacher is a form of exercising hate Language: discuss
  • Body Language and verbal speech are different things: discuss
  • Language can be exploitative: discuss
  • Do you think language is responsible for inciting aggression against the state?
  • Can you justify the structural representation of any symbol of your choice?
  • Religious symbols are not ordinary Language: what are your perspective on day-to-day languages and sacred ones?
  • Consider the usage of language by an English man and someone of another culture
  • Discuss the essence of code-mixing and code-switching
  • Attempt a psychological assessment on the role of language in academic development
  • How does language pose a challenge to studying?
  • Choose a multicultural society of your choice and explain the problem they face
  • What forms does Language use in expression?
  • Identify the reasons behind unspoken words and actions
  • Why do universal languages exist as a means of easy communication?
  • Examine the role of the English language in the world
  • Examine the role of Arabic in the world
  • Examine the role of romantic languages in the world
  • Evaluate the significance of each teaching Resources in a language classroom
  • Consider an assessment of language analysis
  • Why do people comprehend beyond what is written or expressed?
  • What is the impact of hate speech on a woman?
  • Do you believe that grammatical errors are how everyone’s comprehension of language is determined?
  • Observe the Influence of technology in language learning and development
  • Which parts of the body are responsible for understanding new languages
  • How has language informed development?
  • Would you say language has improved human relations or worsened it considering it as a tool for violence?
  • Would you say language in a black populous state is different from its social culture in white populous states?
  • Give an overview of the English language in Nigeria
  • Give an overview of the English language in Uganda
  • Give an overview of the English language in India
  • Give an overview of Russian in Europe
  • Give a conceptual analysis on stress and how it works
  • Consider the means of vocabulary development and its role in cultural relationships
  • Examine the effects of Linguistics in language
  • Present your understanding of sign language
  • What do you understand about descriptive language and prescriptive Language?

List of Research Topics in English Language

You may need English research topics for your next research. These are topics that are socially crafted for you as a student of language in any institution. You can consider the following for in-depth analysis:

  • Examine the travail of women in any feminist text of your choice
  • Examine the movement of feminist literature in the Industrial period
  • Give an overview of five Gothic literature and what you understand from them
  • Examine rock music and how it emerged as a genre
  • Evaluate the cultural association with Nina Simone’s music
  • What is the relevance of Shakespeare in English literature?
  • How has literature promoted the English language?
  • Identify the effect of spelling errors in the academic performance of students in an institution of your choice
  • Critically survey a university and give rationalize the literary texts offered as Significant
  • Examine the use of feminist literature in advancing the course against patriarchy
  • Give an overview of the themes in William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar”
  • Express the significance of Ernest Hemingway’s diction in contemporary literature
  • Examine the predominant devices in the works of William Shakespeare
  • Explain the predominant devices in the works of Christopher Marlowe
  • Charles Dickens and his works: express the dominating themes in his Literature
  • Why is Literature described as the mirror of society?
  • Examine the issues of feminism in Sefi Atta’s “Everything Good Will Come” and Bernadine Evaristos’s “Girl, Woman, Other”
  • Give an overview of the stylistics employed in the writing of “Girl, Woman, Other” by Bernadine Evaristo
  • Describe the language of advertisement in social media and newspapers
  • Describe what poetic Language means
  • Examine the use of code-switching and code-mixing on Mexican Americans
  • Examine the use of code-switching and code-mixing in Indian Americans
  • Discuss the influence of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” on satirical literature
  • Examine the Linguistics features of “Native Son” by Richard Wright
  • What is the role of indigenous literature in promoting cultural identities
  • How has literature informed cultural consciousness?
  • Analyze five literature on semantics and their Influence on the study
  • Assess the role of grammar in day to day communications
  • Observe the role of multidisciplinary approaches in understanding the English language
  • What does stylistics mean while analyzing medieval literary texts?
  • Analyze the views of philosophers on language, society, and culture

English Research Paper Topics for College Students

For your college work, you may need to undergo a study of any phenomenon in the world. Note that they could be Linguistics essay topics or mainly a research study of an idea of your choice. Thus, you can choose your research ideas from any of the following:

  • The concept of fairness in a democratic Government
  • The capacity of a leader isn’t in his or her academic degrees
  • The concept of discrimination in education
  • The theory of discrimination in Islamic states
  • The idea of school policing
  • A study on grade inflation and its consequences
  • A study of taxation and Its importance to the economy from a citizen’s perspectives
  • A study on how eloquence lead to discrimination amongst high school students
  • A study of the influence of the music industry in teens
  • An Evaluation of pornography and its impacts on College students
  • A descriptive study of how the FBI works according to Hollywood
  • A critical consideration of the cons and pros of vaccination
  • The health effect of sleep disorders
  • An overview of three literary texts across three genres of Literature and how they connect to you
  • A critical overview of “King Oedipus”: the role of the supernatural in day to day life
  • Examine the novel “12 Years a Slave” as a reflection of servitude and brutality exerted by white slave owners
  • Rationalize the emergence of racist Literature with concrete examples
  • A study of the limits of literature in accessing rural readers
  • Analyze the perspectives of modern authors on the Influence of medieval Literature on their craft
  • What do you understand by the mortality of a literary text?
  • A study of controversial Literature and its role in shaping the discussion
  • A critical overview of three literary texts that dealt with domestic abuse and their role in changing the narratives about domestic violence
  • Choose three contemporary poets and analyze the themes of their works
  • Do you believe that contemporary American literature is the repetition of unnecessary themes already treated in the past?
  • A study of the evolution of Literature and its styles
  • The use of sexual innuendos in literature
  • The use of sexist languages in literature and its effect on the public
  • The disaster associated with media reports of fake news
  • Conduct a study on how language is used as a tool for manipulation
  • Attempt a criticism of a controversial Literary text and why it shouldn’t be studied or sold in the first place

Finding Linguistics Hard To Write About?

With these topics, you can commence your research with ease. However, if you need professional writing help for any part of the research, you can scout here online for the best research paper writing service.

There are several expert writers on ENL hosted on our website that you can consider for a fast response on your research study at a cheap price.

As students, you may be unable to cover every part of your research on your own. This inability is the reason you should consider expert writers for custom research topics in Linguistics approved by your professor for high grades.

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130+ Original Linguistics Research Topics: Ideas To Focus On

Linguistics research topics

Linguistics is an exciting course to learn. Unfortunately, writing a research paper or essay or write my thesis in linguistics is not as easy. Many students struggle to find a good research topic to write about. Finding a good research topic is crucial because it is the foundation of your paper. It will guide your research and dictate what you write.

Creative Language Research Topics

Argumentative research titles about language, english language research topics for stem students, social media research topics about language, the best quantitative research topics about language, more creative sociolinguistics research topics, research topics in english language education for students, top thesis topics in language, creative language and gender research topics, language education research topics on social issues, research title about language acquisition.

Most students turn to the internet to find research paper topics. Sadly, most sources provide unoriginal and basic topics. For this reason, this article provides some creative sample research topics for English majors.

Linguistics is a fascinating subject with so many research topic options. Check out the following creative research topics in language

  • How you can use linguistic patterns to locate migration paths
  • Computers and their effect on language creation
  • The internet and its impacts on modern language
  • Has text messages helped create a new linguistic culture?
  • Language and change; how social changes influence language development
  • How language changes over time
  • How effective is non-verbal communication in communicating emotions?
  • Verbal communication and emotional displays: what is the link?
  • The negative power of language in internet interactions
  • How words change as society develops
  • Is the evolution of languages a scientific concept?
  • Role of technology in linguistics

Argumentative essay topics should state your view on a subject so you can create content to defend the view and convince others that it is logical and well-researched. Here are some excellent language research titles examples

  • Society alters words and their meanings over time
  • Children have a better grasp of new language and speech than adults
  • Childhood is the perfect time to develop speech
  • Individuals can communicate without a shared language
  • Learning more than one language as a child can benefit individuals in adulthood
  • Elementary schools should teach students a second language
  • Language acquisition changes at different growth stages
  • The impact of technology on linguistics
  • Language has significant power to capitalize on emotions
  • The proper use of language can have positive impacts on society

Research topics for STEM students do not differ much from those for college and high school students. However, they are slightly more targeted. Find an excellent research title about language for your paper below:

  • How does language promote gender differences?
  • Music and language evolution: the correlation
  • Slang: development and evolution in different cultures
  • Can language create bonds among cross-cultural societies?
  • Formal vs informal language: what are the differences?
  • Age and pronunciation: what is the correlation?
  • How languages vary across STEM subjects
  • Are STEM students less proficient in languages?
  • The use of language in the legal sector
  • The importance of non-verbal communication and body language
  • How politeness is perceived through language choices and use
  • The evolution of English through history

Did you know you can find excellent social media research topics if you do it right? Check out the following social media language research titles:

  • The role of the internet in promoting language acquisition
  • A look at changes in languages since social media gained traction
  • How social media brings new language
  • How effective are language apps in teaching foreign languages?
  • The popularity of language applications among learners
  • A study of the impact of the internet on the spreading of slang
  • Social media as a tool for promoting hate language
  • Free speech vs hate speech: what is the difference?
  • How social media platforms can combat hate language propagation
  • How can social media users express emotions through written language?
  • Political censorship and its impact on the linguistics applied in the media
  • The differences between social media and real-life languages

A language research title can be the foundation of your quantitative research. Find some of the best examples of research topics for English majors here:

  • Language barriers in the healthcare sector
  • What percentage of kids below five struggle with languages?
  • Understanding the increase in multilingual people
  • Language barriers and their impact on effective communication
  • Social media and language: are language barriers existent in social media?
  • Bilingualism affects people’s personalities and temperaments
  • Can non-native teachers effectively teach local students the English language?
  • Bilingualism and its impact on social perceptions
  • The new generative grammar concept: an in-depth analysis
  • Racist language: its history and impacts
  • A look into examples of endangered languages
  • Attitudes toward a language and how it can impact language acquisition

You can choose a research topic about language based on social issues, science concerns like biochemistry topics , and much more. Sociolinguistics is the study of the correlation between language and society and the application of language in various social situations. Here are some excellent research topics in sociolinguistics:

  • An analysis of how sociolinguistics can help people understand multi-lingual language choices
  • An analysis of sociolinguistics through America’s color and race background
  • The role of sociolinguistics in children development
  • Comparing sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics
  • Sociolinguistics and gender empowerment: an analysis of their correlation
  • How media houses use sociolinguistics to create bias and gain a competitive advantage
  • The value of sociolinguistics education in the teaching of discipline
  • The role played by sociolinguistics in creating social change throughout history
  • Research methods used in sociolinguistics
  • Different sociolinguistics and their role in English evolution
  • Sociolinguistics: an in-depth analysis
  • What is sociolinguistics, and what is its role in language evolution?

A good research topic in English will serve as the guiding point for your research paper. Find a suitable research topic for English majors below:

  • Types of indigenous languages
  • Language s an essential element of human life
  • Language as the primary communication medium
  • The value of language in society
  • The negative side of coded language
  • School curriculums and how they influence languages
  • Linguistics: a forensic language
  • Elements that influence people’s ability to learn a new language
  • The development of the English language
  • How the English language borrows from other languages
  • Multilingualism: an insight
  • The correlation between metaphors and similes

Many students struggle to find good thesis topics in language and linguistics. As you read more on the thesis statement about social media , make sure you also understand every thesis title about language from the following examples:

  • The classification of human languages
  • The application of different tools in language identification
  • The role of linguists in language identification
  • The contributions of Greek philosophers to language development
  • The origin of language: early speculations
  • The history of language through the scope of mythology
  • Theories that explain the origin and development of language
  • Is language the most effective form of communication
  • The impact of brain injuries on language
  • Language impacts on sports
  • Linguistics intervention that won’t work in this century
  • Language as a system of symbols

Just like economic research paper topics , gender and language topics do not have to stick to the norms or the standards by which all students write. You can exercise some creativity when creating your topic. Discover a topic about language and gender from this list:

  • Language and gender: what is the correlation?
  • How different genders perceive language
  • Does a kid’s gender influence their grasp of languages?
  • Men vs Women: a statistical overview of their multilingual prowess.
  • The perception of language from the female standpoint
  • The difference between female and male language use
  • The use of language as a tool for connection between females and males
  • Does gender have an impact on efficient communication
  • Does gender impact word choices in conversations?
  • Females have an easier time learning two or more languages
  • What makes female and male language choices differ?
  • Are females better at communicating using spoken language?

There are many social issues related to language education that you can cover in your research paper. Check out the following topics about language related to social issues research topics for your research:

  • Language translation: what makes it possible
  • How does the mother tongue influence pronunciation?
  • Issues that encourage people to learn different languages
  • Sign language: origin and more
  • Role of language in solving conflicts
  • Language and mental health: a vivid analysis
  • The similarities between English and French languages
  • Language disorders: an overview
  • Common barriers to language acquisition
  • The impact of mother tongue on effective communication
  • Reasons you should learn two or more languages
  • The benefits of multilingualism in the corporate world
  • Language and identity: what is the correlation?

Language acquisition is the process by which people gain the ability to understand and produce language. Like anatomy research paper topics , language acquisition is a great area to focus your linguistics research. Here are some research questions that bring the focus of the study of linguistic and language acquisition:

  • Language acquisition: an overview
  • What attitudes do people have about language acquisition
  • How attitude can impact language acquisition
  • The evolution of language acquisition over time
  • Language and ethnicity: their correlation
  • Do native English speakers have an easier time acquiring new languages?
  • A case study on political language
  • Why is language acquisition a key factor in leadership
  • Language acquisition and mother tongue pronunciation: the link
  • Ambiguity as a barrier to language acquisition
  • How words acquire their meanings

While a good topic can help capture the reader and create a good impression, it is insufficient to earn you excellent grades. You also need quality content for your paper to get perfect grades. However, creating a high-quality research paper takes time, effort, and skill, which most students do not have.

For these reasons, we offer quality research paper writing services for all students. We guarantee quality papers, timely deliveries, and originality. Reach out to our writers for top linguistics research papers today!

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130+ Excellent Linguistics Research Topics and Ideas

Table of Contents

Linguistic courses are not easy to learn. It is one of the challenging subjects that focus on the systematic study of the structure and evolution of language and the ways humans use it.  Moreover, the field of linguistics also covers wide areas such as syntax, semantics, phonetics, phonology, and morphology. Since this field is vast, then obviously choosing the best Linguistics Research Topics would also be difficult.

If you want to complete research on any concepts from the field of linguistics, then as a researcher you will have to determine the interplay between sound and meaning. Most importantly,  in linguistics, you need to analyze the language form, language in context, and language meaning. The typical linguistics research paper should cover

  • The language’s nature
  • Classification of human languages
  • Tools used in language identification

Linguistics Research Topics

Linguistics is an interesting course to study, but when it comes to writing a research paper or essay on the concepts related to this subject, it is tedious to complete because it requires a lot of practical approaches for evaluating a linguistic issue or a topic. More than analysis and execution, choosing the right linguistics research or dissertation topic is one of the crucial parts of writing a linguistics research paper.

List of Linguistics Research Topics and Ideas

We know that finding a linguistics research paper topic is difficult. So, in order to make your search process easier, here we have shared the list of top linguistic research topics for you to consider.

Linguistics Research Topics

History of Language Research Topics

  • The Greek philosophers’ contribution to language
  • Early speculations about the origin of various languages
  • Why is the origin of language an unanswerable problem?
  • The importance of the over 30,000 preserved cuneiform writings to language
  • A critical analysis of theories that explain the origin and development of language
  • The long history of language in mythology
  • What are the aspects of the origin of the language?
  • The history of writing
  • Interpretations of communication
  • Linguistic theories
  • The ancient connection between English and French words
  • How does the mother tongue influence one’s pronunciation?
  • Why do people speak different languages?
  • Discovery of language translation
  • Is sign language only related to making signs with the hands?
  • The Effect of Language Origin on Humans
  • Moving from structuralism to post-structuralism
  • The evolution of modern linguistics
  • Indigenous or English?
  • Are we predisposed to learn a language from ancient times?
  • Contribution of the early Egyptian society in language.
  • How is the language of a community or society?
  • How does language differ from gender to gender?
  • Childhood is when a person’s speech is formed or broken.
  • Linguistic research is used to cultivate politicians’ buzzwords.
  • How are linguistic patterns used to track migration routes?
  • How Computers hurt modern language
  • Text messaging a contribution to the emergence of a modern linguistic subculture

Argumentative Linguistics Research Topics

  • Does a brain injury have an impact on language?
  • Should we learn two or more languages?
  • Should we refer to language as a mere system of symbols?
  • Does the mother tongue have an impact on efficient communication?
  • Do language disorders make it a difficult subject to study?
  • Does language depict literacy?
  • Is it necessary to learn English in order to fit in the newly developing societies?
  • How does the mother tongue affect an individual’s understanding of other languages?
  • Can verbal language be considered as the only way of communicating?
  • How important is nonverbal communication in the context of teaching and learning?
  • How is language translation made possible?
  • Why is learning Chinese difficult when compared to learning the English language?
  • Why is English considered an important language to know especially in post-colonized nations?
  • The impact of language on how men, as well as women, view politeness
  • Sociolinguistics is a tool for studying social change over time.
  • An examination of English evolution through the lens of various sociolinguistics
  • What is called Phonology and Phonetics?
  • How do Phonology and Phonetics differ from each other?

Read more: Argumentative Essay Topics That You Must Consider

Linguistics Research Topics on Politics

  • Why do politicians use culturally used languages when addressing indigenous communities?
  • A case study of effective political communication
  • Persuasive language strategies and techniques in political speeches
  • The use of buzzwords and tag lines in political speeches
  • Understanding the changing landscape of political communication
  • Why do Hindu politicians use Arabic Kalema’s and other words of significance in Islam when rallying in Islamic societies or communities?
  • How has colonial rule affected Indian and African politics?

Read more: Political Science Research Topics To Write About

Linguistics Research Topics on Language Disorders

  • Mental formation of language disorders during a child’s development
  • Why is autism spectrum disorder common among most children?
  • Causes of receptive language disorders among children
  • What is the effectiveness of psychotherapy in dealing with language disorders?
  • Why do children between 1 and 2 years of age have trouble with p, b, m, h, and w sounds?

Sociolinguistics Research Paper Topics

  • Attitudes to language among different societies
  • A critical evaluation of language and ethnicity
  • Social factors that necessitate language variation and varieties
  • Analyzing language attrition among the most English speakers
  • The relationship between language and identity
  • Describe how sociolinguistics aids people in comprehending multilingual language options.
  • How does sociolinguistics affect women’s empowerment?
  • How the media employs sociolinguistics to achieve a competitive advantage as well as prejudice

Linguistics Research Topics on Translation

  • Is the translator training and pedagogy producing efficient translators?
  • The role of the latest technologies in the translation industry
  • Is literary translation causing more harm than good in communication?
  • Are translations the cause of misunderstandings between different languages?
  • What is the relationship between translation and popular culture?
  • How far has audio-visual translation been effective?

Linguistics Research Topics on Semantics

  • What causes ambiguity to arise in language?
  • How can the meanings of words relate to each other?
  • A critical analysis of language use and language acquisition
  • How do different speakers acquire a sense of meaning?
  • How does meaning work in language analysis and interpretation?
  • In which ways do sentences relate to one another?
  • Describe the relationship between translation and popular culture
  • Is literary translation causes more harm than good in communication?
  • Critical analysis of the use and acquisition of foreign language
  • How culture and linguistic background of a person impact the way he/she acquires a sense of meaning?
  • Compare and contrast the interpretation of language and scrutinization

Popular Linguistics Research Paper Topics

  • Language is the only way we can use to communicate
  • What causes problems with the sentence and word flow?
  • Symptoms of language disorder and how to deal with them
  • What is the effectiveness of audio-visual translation?
  • Why is written communication more precise than spoken one?
  • Does a language influence society, or vice versa, is it true?
  • Why nobody can claim to know a certain language in its entirety
  • The problems of ambiguity during language translation
  • The effectiveness of language support and subject teaching
  • How does political oppression influence media language?
  • How was the language translation discovered?
  • Causes of language death
  • How is linguistic research used to cultivate politicians’ buzzwords?
  • Linguistics as well as cognitive changes
  • Linguistics forensic examination
  • What are endangered languages?
  • Grammatical as well as lexical changes
  • Using a combination of modern language and code-switching
  • Adult language learning differs from that of children
  • A deep examination of hate speech

Latest Linguistics Research Topics

  • Is multilingualism a viable option after bilingualism?
  • The role of music in the evolution of languages
  • How does a language contribute to national identity in a multicultural society?
  • Review of applied linguistics research methods
  • The importance of proper linguistic communication in social media
  • The effects of Social media language on the Current Generation
  • Explain the impact of slang in the development of languages
  • The Role of Language in the Formation of cross-cultural Bonds
  • What role does applied linguistics play in the workplace?
  • Does learning English make it easier to integrate into rapidly changing societies?
  • How does a person’s mother tongue impact their ability to grasp other languages?
  • Can solely verbal communication be regarded as a form of communication?
  • Analyze the factors responsible for different spoken languages.
  • Understanding race and color in relation to sociolinguistics in America.
  • A thorough investigation into UK vowel pronunciation.
  • The contribution of music to the development of language.
  • Describe the development and evolution of slang.
  • An examination of the connection between language and thought
  • How well does healthcare delivery work in language barriers?
  • What role does language play in social media?

Excellent Linguistics Research Ideas

  • How does being multilingual improve one’s personality?
  • Dipronounces your expectations and language cognition evolves as you learn.
  • Discuss the methods of learning when it comes to learning a foreign language.
  • Give examples of how a non-native English speaker might teach English to local students.
  • The part language plays in fostering cross-cultural relationships.
  • Study of language in both academic and informal contexts.
  • What effect does one’s age have on how one pronounces English?
  • An examination of English-French load words using phonetic analysis
  • What impact does sociolinguistics have on women’s emancipation?
  • The lengthy history of the English-French term relationship
  • Why do individuals speak various languages?
  • How does pronunciation differ depending on one’s mother tongue?
  • How was language translation found?
  • Is sign language exclusively concerned with making hand motions?

Compelling Linguistics Research Topics

  • What are the factors affecting the capability of learning a language?
  • Explain the impact of bilingualism on an individual’s personality.
  • Discuss the importance of applied linguistics in today’s digital world.
  • Analyze the challenges in the study of semantic and pragmatic theory.
  • Explain digitally-mediated collaborative writing for ESL students.
  • Discuss the laws of language development.
  • Write about word sense disambiguation.
  • Explain a semantic typology of gradable predicates.
  • Perform an analysis of the Schizophrenia text dataset.
  • Explain the Impact of blogging on learning languages.

Out of the various linguistics research paper topics suggested in this blog post, choose any topic matching your interest and craft a detailed thesis with proper supporting evidence. In case, you are not satisfied with the list of ideas recommended here, then without any hesitation contact us.

linguistics research projects topics

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25+ Research Ideas in Linguistics You Can Explore as a High Schooler

Research is an invaluable asset in shaping your academic journey, especially for high school students aiming to stand out in college applications. You’ll demonstrate your expertise in an advanced academic topic and ability to create a self-driven project with meaningful analytical methods and findings.

If you have an inclination towards language and communication, exploring the diverse realm of linguistics through research offers a unique path to show interdisciplinary skill across STEM, social sciences, and the humanities. Linguistics extends into disciplines such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, and computer science, opening doors to multifaceted research not restricted to a single field . Though university-level linguistics research in linguistics can require a high level of expertise, there are many approachable research topics to demonstrate your passion for the field. 

Let's explore what makes a compelling research topic in linguistics and present 25 intriguing research ideas that might captivate and inspire your linguistic journey.

Historical Linguistics

Fascinated by the evolution of languages through time? Historical linguistics explores the changes languages undergo over centuries. It delves into reconstructing ancient languages, tracking phonological shifts, and uncovering how vocabularies transform. Here are potential research topics in historical linguistics to explore the intricate journeys languages take across history.

Language Shift and Endangerment in Indigenous Communities:  Studying the factors leading to language shift and endangerment in indigenous communities, exploring sociocultural, political, and historical reasons behind language decline.

Proto-Language Reconstruction of a Language Family:  Investigating the common linguistic features among related languages to reconstruct their hypothetical ancestral language, exploring the phonological, morphological, and syntactic traits.

Diachronic Analysis of Sound Changes in a Language:  Tracking the evolution of phonological features across different historical stages of a language family, identifying systematic sound changes.

Morphosyntactic Changes in Historical Texts: Investigating the evolution of grammatical structures and syntactic patterns in historical texts, tracing changes in sentence construction and morphological rules over time.

Linguistic Evolution in Colonized Regions:  Studying the linguistic impact of colonization on indigenous languages, examining how contact with colonial languages has influenced vocabulary, grammar, and language structure over time.

Ever wondered how words are formed and structured? Morphology is the study of word formation and structure within languages.  It dissects how affixes, roots, and compounds create meaning. Exploring topics in morphology unveils the intricate construction of words and their variation between communities, age groups, and languages.

6. Reduplication Patterns in Child Language Development:  Investigating the role and prevalence of reduplication (repeating a word or part of a word) in early language acquisition among toddlers.

7. Compounding in Technical Jargon:  Analyzing how technical fields create new compound words to convey complex concepts and whether these compounds follow specific morphological rules.

8. Derivational Morphology in Slang:  Exploring how slang evolves through the addition of affixes and changes in word forms to convey nuanced meanings in digital communication.

9. Morphological Adaptation in Loanword Integration:  Studying how borrowed words from one language adapt morphologically in another language, especially in terms of affixation and derivation.

10. Diminutives in Children's Speech Development:  Investigating the role and frequency of diminutive forms (such as "-ie" or "-y" endings) in early language acquisition and their impact on language development.

Phonetics and Phonology

Intrigued by the sounds and rhythms of speech? Phonetics studies the physical aspects of speech sounds, while phonology examines how these sounds function within a language's structure. Delving into these areas opens doors to understanding accent variations, sound symbolism, and the intricate rules governing speech patterns.

11. Mimicry and Accent Acquisition:  Investigating how people acquire new accents, examining the effects of exposure duration and social context.

12. Regional dialectal variation: Analyzing pronunciation differences and their development across dialects and the phonological patterns they demonstrate. 

13. Speech Therapy Techniques: Studying effective methods to improve speech impediments, such as articulation exercises or technology-assisted interventions

14. Tonal Patterns in Song Lyrics: Analyzing the use of tone and intonation in lyrics across different music genres to understand how tonal patterns contribute to artistic expression and emotional conveyance.

15. Vowel Reduction in Rapid Speech:  Investigating how vowel reduction occurs in fast-paced speech, particularly in conversational settings, and its impact on overall speech intelligibility.

Psycholinguistics

Interested in how the mind processes language? Psycholinguistics delves into the cognitive mechanisms behind language acquisition, comprehension, and production. It explores how memory, emotions, and perception influence language , offering insights into bilingualism, language development, and more.

16. Language Processing in Bilingual Individuals:  Studying cognitive disparities and variations in speech production and comprehension between the languages of bilingual individuals.

17. Syntactic Error Analysis in Second Language Acquisition:  Examining common mistakes in word ordering and/or sentence formation while learning a new language.

18 . Language and Emotion : Identifying specific linguistic elements, such as tone, lexical choice, or syntactic structures, that influence how emotions are understood and/or expressed in communication. 

19. Speech Perception and Cognitive Load:  Analyzing how external distractions affect the ability to comprehend and/or retain speech information.

20 . Language Development in Children: Studying the milestones and patterns in children’s language acquisition during early developmental stages.

Sociolinguistics

Curious about how language shapes and reflects society? Sociolinguistics explores the interplay between language and social dynamics. It uncovers how language choices signify social identities and how linguistic variations emerge  within communities.

21. Code-Switching Among Peers:  Analyzing why and how individuals switch between languages in conversation, and the contexts in which code-switching occurs most frequently.

22. Perception of Languages and Their Speakers:  Investigating how language biases and stereotypes influence perceptions of different languages and their speakers.

23. Internet Language and Communication: Examining the usage and familiarity of linguistic elements in online communication among different age groups.

24. Linguistic Markers of Identity and Community Membership:  Analyzing how linguistic features and vocabulary are utilized to signify identity traits such as race, class, gender, or sexuality within communities.

25. Language and Workplace Dynamics: Investigating how linguistic choices and communication styles influence workplace interactions and professional relationships, hierarchies, and collaboration among employees.

Suggested by Lumiere member from Princeton University.

One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you are interested in doing university-level research in linguistics, then you could also consider applying to the   Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a selective online high school program for students that I founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the   application form   here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation , a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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  • research ideas

100+ Linguistic Topics for Excellent Research Papers

13 December, 2021

12 minutes read

Author:  Donna Moores

Linguistics is an English language category that deals with logical dialectal analysis and interpretation. It seeks to reveal the form, meaning, and context of language. While most college students may perceive linguistics as a simple subject, it is pretty complex. English tutors might issue topics in linguistics in various disciplines like phonology or semantics, which leaves many learners grappling to tackle the research papers.

linguistic topics

When analyzing language, you should write a paper that clarifies the nature, classification, and proper identification tools. Therefore, your linguistics topics must be relevant and within the research purpose. It is essential to pick an appropriate topic to allow the audience to understand the fundamental research.

With numerous dialects across the globe, identifying a worthy topic should be a simple task. We have compiled lists of engaging topic ideas to help you craft an outstanding research paper and inspire your academic projects.

Linguistics Research Paper: Definition, Explanation, Examples

Any linguistics paper should comprise an in-depth analysis of language development and acquisition. The subject explores various aspects of different dialects and their meanings. It also covers style and form to develop comprehensive arguments under various contexts.

That is why English professors test students with various academic projects to measure their comprehension levels. Thus, learners should ensure they select good linguistics research paper topics. Here is an overview example of the paper structure.

Introduction

  • Background information.
  • Hypothesis.
  • Literature review.

Methodology

  • Data sources.
  • Data organization.
  • Analysis/Findings.
  • Paraphrase hypothesis.
  • Significance of the study.
  • Recommendations.

Therefore, ensure your paper meets the specified academic standards. You must read the requirements keenly to craft an outstanding paper that meets the tutor’s expectations. If you encounter challenges, you can research further online or seek clarification from your professor to know how you will approach the research question.

Choosing A Good Linguistic Topic Isn’t Hard – Here’s How To Do It

Struggling to pick a relevant topic for your research paper? Fret not. We will help you understand the steps to identify an appropriate topic. Most students often underestimate the significance of the pre-writing stages, which entails topic selection. It is a vital phase where you need to choose relevant linguistics topics for your research paper. Hence, ensure you read the research question carefully to understand its requirements.

Carry out an extensive brainstorming session to identify relatable themes within the subject area. Avoid selecting a broad theme, but if you do, break it into minor sub-topics. This will help you during the research phase to get adequate information. Use different websites to get verifiable academic sources and published papers from reputable scholars.

Don’t forget to make your linguistics research paper topics catchy and exciting to capture your readers’ attention. No one wants to read a dull paper.

Finally, follow all the academic requirements for research paper writing – proper grammar, style, correct citation, etc. College tutors often award well-written, original papers.

However, if you still find it challenging to move beyond topic selection, you can reach out to one of our subject-oriented experts for assistance.

We are here to offer the following:

  • Quality-approved papers.
  • 100% authentic papers.
  • One-on-one personalized learning.
  • Efficient support services.
  • Complete confidentiality and data privacy.

Therefore, do not endure the academic pressure alone. Talk to us we will help you select unique linguistic research topics.

Top 15 Brilliant Psycholinguistics Topics

Psycholinguistics deals with language development and acquisition. Below is a compilation of brilliant linguistics paper topics to inspire your essay compositions.

  • The significance of learning many languages as a young child.
  • The importance of music in language development.
  • An analysis of how language forms cross-cultural ties.
  • Why you should learn the art of body language.
  • What is hate speech? Is it self-taught:
  • The impact of speech on human character.
  • Linguistic patterns: A study of tracking migration routes.
  • The impact of technology on linguistics.
  • A comparative analysis of non-verbal communication.
  • Discuss how children get impressive language skills.
  • Compare and contrast verbal and non-verbal communication.
  • Discuss the different stages in dialect acquisition.
  • The influence of linguistic ethics in evoking mass emotions.
  • Effective language use improves an individual’s personality: Discuss.
  • An analysis of learning mechanisms in a foreign dialect.

15 Interesting Sociolinguistics Topic Ideas

Need help with your sociolinguistics research paper? Here are interesting topics in linguistics to jumpstart your writing.

  • An in-depth theoretical analysis of language development.
  • Explore dialect as a communication tool.
  • How brain injuries influence language and speech.
  • Language is a symbolic system: Discuss.
  • Examine the different linguistic disorders and challenges.
  • The impact of mother tongue on effective communication.
  • The importance of learning more than one dialect.
  • Evaluate mother tongue pronunciation and language fluency.
  • Compare and contrast the English and French languages.
  • Why do people communicate in different languages?
  • The role of Greek philosophers in language formation.
  • Language origination as an unfathomable issue.
  • Discuss language as a national identity in a multicultural nation.
  • Is there a difference between adult and child language acquisition?
  • Discuss the challenges in language development.

15 Good Applied Linguistics Topics

Applied linguistics is an essential discipline that allows learners to comprehend effective communication. Below are interesting linguistics topics to help you during writing.

  • What is applied linguistics?
  • Evaluate applied linguistics in a technological environment.
  • Discuss the intricacies of spoken and written language.
  • Explore bilingualism and multilingualism.
  • An analysis of communication barriers in delivering health services.
  • The influence of identity in a multicultural society.
  • Discuss dialect barriers in social media networks.
  • An in-depth analysis of hate speech.
  • The importance of applied linguistics development.
  • The adverse effects of social media on effective communication.
  • The impact of culture on multilingualism.
  • An in-depth evaluation of applied linguistics.
  • The influence of politics on linguistic media.
  • An analysis of practical research methods on linguistics.
  • How bilingualism enhances human personality.

15 Computational Linguistics Research Paper Topics

Computational linguistics involves technology in translation and other language-enhancing tools. Below are compelling linguistics thesis topics for your research compositions.

  • What is computational linguistics?
  • The impact of technology in speech recognition.
  • The evolution of the translation industry in enhancing communication.
  • Does translation cause communication barriers?
  • An analysis of audiovisual translation.
  • Discuss the effectiveness of supervised learning.
  • An analysis of effective programs for phonetic comparison of dialects.
  • Speech recognition: description of dialect performance.
  • An analysis of linguistic dimensions using technology.
  • Effective methods of text extraction.
  • Discuss the reasons for learning computational linguistics.
  • The influence of modern communication on computational linguistics.
  • Discuss the different approaches to effective learning.
  • An analysis of speech synthesis.
  • Discuss the benefits of machine translation.

15 Engaging Comparative Linguistics Research Paper Topics

Looking for winning research topics in linguistics? Search no more. Here are impressive comparative topic ideas for your research compositions:

  • Compare and contrast English and Latin.
  • A comparative study of speech physiology and anatomy.
  • An evaluation of the Ape language.
  • What is folk speech?
  • An analysis of historical linguistics.
  • An in-depth study of ethnographic semantics.
  • The connection between culture and linguistics.
  • A comparative analysis of phonetics in linguistics.
  • The influence of computers on dialect development.
  • Analyze communication in a paralinguistic dialect.
  • English popularity: A comparative study of the world.
  • Does accent fluency boost effective communication?
  • Neologism: An analysis of UK English.
  • Discuss the idioms of Australian English compared to American.
  • A comparative study of the Anglo-Saxon dialects.

15 Interesting Historical Linguistics Topic Ideas

Let us explore historical linguistics essay topics that will translate into remarkable papers with impressive literary arguments.

  • Discuss the significance of the Greek philosophers in language development.
  • An analysis of the preserved cuneiform writings.
  • Evaluate the origin of language theories.
  • Discuss the history of language in mythology.
  • An analysis of language translation.
  • A critical analysis of language development.
  • How speech impacts human interaction.
  • An analysis of modern communication evolution.
  • Discuss the history of written communication.
  • Analyze the different linguistics theories.
  • Why some dialects are challenging to learn.
  • What is structuralism in linguistics?
  • The effectiveness of mother tongue in linguistics.
  • The ancient relationship between French and English.
  • Is English considered indigenous?

15 Compelling Stylistics Linguistics Research Paper Topics

The following are interesting linguistics topics to help in crafting unique research papers. Peruse and pick one that suits your paper’s requirements.

  • Analyze the stylistic features of a business letter.
  • A comparative study of newspaper advertisement style.
  • An analysis of public speeches style
  • The forms and function of legal documents.
  • Discuss the functions of different newspaper genres.
  • The influence of ethnicity on linguistics.
  • Explore the effectiveness of spoken vs. written communication.
  • How effective is language translation?
  • Persuasive linguistics: An analysis of different strategies in politics.
  • The pros and cons of colonialism and the effects on African languages.
  • Discuss practical strategies for language acquisition.
  • Evaluate the social factors impacting language variation.
  • Discuss the various attitudes in society to language.
  • The impact of language on cultural identity.
  • The role of linguistics in different communities.

linguistics research topics

Having Problems with Your Paper? Our Experts Are Available 24/7

Research paper writing requires dedication in terms of time and effort. Most learners get stuck because of a lack of time and complex topics to handle. But with the correct strategy, you can simplify the entire composition. Let us look at some of the tips and tricks to help you compose an exceptional paper.

Read the essay prompt carefully

Take adequate time to acquaint yourself with the research prompt. What does your tutor expect from you? Read the assignment carefully before moving ahead with the research writing.

Choose a topic

Identify an appropriate topic through an extensive brainstorming exercise. It is pretty simple once you have the required themes in place.

Conduct comprehensive research

Carry out intense research on the topic you have selecting taking careful consideration about the relevant information. Use multiple trusted sources to extract adequate research content regarding the theme.

Develop a thesis

Organize your research and develop a powerful thesis statement. It gives your target audience an idea of the paper’s direction.

Design an outline

As per your paper requirements, design an appropriate outline that captures your entire research logically. Include an introduction, main body, and conclusion.

Writing process

Finally, start writing and make sure your arguments flow logically and clearly without any vague explanation in each paragraph.

Thorough editing and proofreading

Edit your work thoroughly and proofread for errors. Make sure it follows all the academic standard rules before turning in the paper to your tutor.

Need help with your research paper? Relax and let our qualified experts assist you in getting top-notch results. There is no need to struggle alone when our writers are available 24/7, ready to provide professional writing help. We have a team of skilled experts who are highly knowledgeable in diverse disciplines. Moreover, you will enjoy a personalized learning experience with our pro essay writers .

Whether you need help choosing linguistics anthropology research topics or composing the entire research paper, we have you covered in all aspects. No matter how complex the topic is, our experts will pull all-nighters to ensure you get your paper on time.

We are a reliable service that puts the interests of customers first. From having speedy client support to prompt deliveries, you can be sure of enjoying top-of-the-range services. We do not gamble with your academics, and that is why we promise our clients original research papers.

Therefore, contact us with detailed information about the writing service you need. Talk to us and improve your academic performance within no time.

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Ethical Research Paper Topics

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100+ Compelling Linguistics Research Topics for University Students

Linguistics Research Topics

Confused while selecting the interesting linguistics research topics to pen down your thoughts on a piece of paper? So, bounce back to this article and pick the best linguistics research paper topics and boost your grades.

Un-layering the essence of teaching-learning methodology demonstrates the development of linguistic theories. Linguistics is a science of language in which fact-finding is done through some rational and systematic study. While digging into the information about the history of linguistics, two perspectives on languages are unveiled: prescriptive and descriptive views.

The linguistic analysis uncovers the following areas: phonetics, phonology, syntax, morphology, semantics, and pragmatics. Furthermore, the scrutinization of linguistics helps you to know about every aspect of languages as well as methods for studying them.

Table of Contents

How To Choose the Right Linguistics Research Topics?

Stress work is the indication of degraded academic performance and lower grades even if we talk about a linguistics research paper. Make your every endeavor effective and energetic by applying the right strategy. Therefore, make the right selection for your academic writing that starts from the interesting topic selection in linguistics.

Moreover, take advantage of research paper help and discuss your concerns with professional writers. As a suggestion, you can choose the right linguistics research topics by keeping the following points in your mind:

Find your interest: Linguistics uncover various aspects of language learning and allow you to expand your mind capabilities. So, try to explore the depth of the subject and find your area of interest. It will make your academic writing more interesting and enthralling.

Brainstorm the ideas: Picking the interesting linguistics topics demands your knowledge and expertise. Therefore, you need to take the advantage of brainstorming and collect various ideas to explore the concept of linguistics.

Perform pensive research : When you are keen to score high marks, you need to have sufficient knowledge. Conduct insightful research and uncover the pensive ideas for your research paper topics in linguistics.

Interesting Topics in Linguistics

Linguistics is the foundation of language knowledge. Linguistics theories indeed are interrelated to learning the English language. When you have to boost your grades, your selection for linguistics research paper topics makes a huge difference.  Some of the interesting linguistics research topics are:

  • Explain the significance of music in the evolution of language.
  • Does age really impact English pronunciation?
  • What is the role of sociolinguistics education in creating discipline?
  • What is the significance of language in creating teaching methodology?
  • Analysis of verbal and written communication based on language usage.
  • Is it important to have expertise in several languages?
  • Explain the issues related to receptive language disorder and its impact on brain development.
  • How do you correlate sentence-making and word flow in linguistics?
  • Discuss the comparability between English and French languages.
  • Factors responsible for different spoken languages.
  • The impact of slang in the development of languages.
  • Is text messaging creating a revolutionary subculture in the new linguistic scenario?
  • How are linguistic patterns helpful in locating migration roadways?
  • What are factors affecting the capability of learning a language?
  • Explain the role of language in building a national identity for developing a multicultural society.
  • Digital Revolution: impact of computers in modern language
  • A systematic review on vowel pronunciation in the American Schools.
  • Significance of language in creating cross-cultural communities: A comprehensive review
  • Elucidate the impact of language on one’s perception.
  • Textual and Linguistic analysis for housing studies.

Stimulating Research Paper Topics In Sociolinguistics

While seeking linguistics research topics for your assignments or research paper, you may find sociolinguistics interesting to explore. Sociolinguistics demonstrates the impact of language on our society. When you are keen to explore the effect of language in different aspects of society (including cultural values and expectations), you need to do an in-depth analysis of sociolinguistics.

For building a good foundation on sociolinguistics, you can select the following linguistics paper topics:

  • How would you define linguistic practices in specific communities?
  • An elaborative approach for code-switching and code-mixing
  • Explain the impact of dialect on gender.
  • A correlational study to share the relationship between language, social class, and cognition.
  • In-depth study of interactional sociolinguistics in the 21st Century.
  • A comprehensive analysis on accountability and aptness of dialect.
  • Evaluate the education of language in the U.S.
  • The role of languages in controlling emotions.
  • Effectiveness of verbal communication in expressing one’s feelings: A competitive analysis.
  • A literature review on communication with a precise comparison of verbal and non-verbal communication
  • Difference between advanced placement (AP) English literature and language.
  • What is the relationship between language and one’s personality?
  • A critical analysis on the relation of language and ethnicity.
  • Describe the attitudes to various languages among societies.
  • A comprehensive approach on dialect variations in American English-speaking people.
  • Scrutinize linguistic variation on language loyalty.
  • Develop a good understanding of sociological variations to languages.
  • Impact of the generation gap on language usage.
  • Examine the impact of various factors (social tension, media, racism, and entertainment) on the utilization of languages.
  • Is there a difference between linguistic practices among men and women?

Also, Read: 150+ Business Research Topics

Interesting Research Topics in Applied Linguistics

Are you looking for linguistics research topics to advance your learning abilities? In such a case, you have to learn about “Applied Linguistics.” It is the branch of linguistics in which one can understand the practical applications of language studies such as speech therapy, language teaching, and more.

In other words, applied linguistics offers solutions to deal with language-related real-life problems. Imperative academic areas where you can find the applications of applied linguistics are psychology, education, sociology, communication research, and anthropology. Some applied linguistics research paper topics:

  • Discuss the expansion of learning a second language through reading.
  • Share your learning on the critical period hypothesis for the acquisition of the second language.
  • Impact of bilingualism on an individual’s personality.
  • Linguistics evaluation on the difference between written and spoken language.
  • Describe language cognition and perceptions in a learning process.
  • Impact of language barriers on healthcare delivery.
  • Detailed analysis on various methodologies to learn applied linguistics.
  • Discuss the relationship between empathy and language proficiency in learners of adult language.
  • Detailed analysis on multilingualism and multiculturalism.
  • Impact of extended instructions on the use of passive voices, modals, and relative clauses: A critical analysis.
  • Explain digitally-mediated collaborative writing for ESL students.
  • How do we evaluate self-efficacy in students who speak low-level English language?
  • Elucidate the significance of phrasal verbs in creating technical documents.
  • Expectations of American Students while taking Japanese language classes.
  • A detailed study on American deaf students in English as a Non-Native Language (ENNL) classes.
  • How do you understand by modeling music with Grammars?
  • The cognitive development of expertise as an ESL teacher: An insightful analysis.
  • Sound Effects: Gender, Age, and Sound symbolism in American English.
  • Importance of applied linguistics in today’s digital world.

Also, Read: Modern Literature

Interesting Research Topics in Semantics

The study of reference, meaning, and the truth is covered under semantics or semiotics, or semasiology. A comprehensive analysis of semantics reflects the essence of compositional semantics and lexical semantics.  The combination of words and their interaction to form larger experiences like sentences comes under compositional semantics. Whereas, the notion of words is shared under lexical semantics.

Some academic disciplines in linguistic semantics are conceptual semantics, cognitive semantics, formal semantics, computational semantics, and more. Linguistic research paper topics on Semantics are as follows:

  • Examine meaning work in language interpretation and scrutinization
  • A critical evaluation of language acquisition and language use.
  • Challenges in the study of semantic and pragmatic theory.
  • Discuss semantics lessons and paragraph structure in written language.
  • How do you explain the semantic richness effects in the recognition of visual words?
  • How richness of semantics affects the processing of a language.
  • Semantic generation to action-related stimuli: A neuroanatomical evaluation of embodied cognition.
  • Examine the understanding of blind children for reading phonological and tactual coding in Braille.
  • Explain a semantic typology of gradable predicates.
  • A comparison of between blind and sighted children’s memory performance: the reverse-generation effect.
  • Clinical research for designing medical decision support systems.
  • Discuss word recognition processes in blind and sighted children.
  • A corpus-based study on argumentative indicators.
  • The typology of modality in modern West Iranian languages.
  • A critical analysis on changes in naming and semantic abilities in different age groups.
  • Explain the multidimensional semantics of evaluative adverbs.
  • A comprehensive analysis on procedural meaning: problems and perspectives.
  • Cross-cultural and cross-linguistic perspectives on figurative language.
  • Elucidate semantic and pragmatic problems in discourse and dialogue.

Topics For Linguistics Essays

A curiosity of exploring the various concepts in linguistics leads you to work on essays. Projecting your thoughts in writing linguistics essays makes you understand the structure and changes in human languages. In a case, if you are searching for the best topics in linguistics, go through the following list of linguistics essays:

  • Difference between human language and artificial language.
  • Classification of writing systems based on various stages of development.
  • The laws of language development
  • Culture and language: impact on reflections.
  • Methodology of reading and writing for children by Albert James.
  • Significance of phoneme and phonological matters
  • The complexity of human language: the specific cases of the apes
  • Explain the development of languages and derivational morphology.
  • Detailed analysis on language extinction.
  • Investigate the peculiarities of English-Chinese and Chinese-English translations.
  • A comprehensive overview on the acquisition of English as a second language by Mid-Eastern students.
  • Discuss semiology in language analysis.
  • Impact of blogging on learning languages.
  • Linguistics: grammar and language teaching.
  • English Language: Explain its standard and non-standard types.
  • Discuss speech community as linguistic anthropology.
  • A systematic review on linguistic diversity in modern culture.
  • Similarities and differences between language and logic.
  • What is the impact of language on digital communication?
  • Listening comprehension: a comparative analysis of the articles.

Computational Linguistics Research Topics

Analysis and synthesis of language and speech using the techniques of computer science share the significance of computational linguistics. This branch of linguistics reflects the study of computational modeling of natural language. It also describes the computational approaches to answering the linguistic questions.

Under computational linguistics, you can explore different concepts such as artificial intelligence, mathematics, computer science, cognitive science, neuroscience, anthropology. More interesting computational linguistics research topics are:

  • Explain the factors measuring the performance of speech recognition.
  • Discuss word sense disambiguation.
  • Detailed analysis on dependency parsing based on graphs and transitions.
  • A multidimensional analysis on linguistic dimensions
  • Analyze Medieval German poetry through supervised learning.
  • Extraction of Danish verbs.
  • Analysis of Schizophrenia text dataset.
  • An intra-lingual contrastive corpus analysis based on computational linguistics.
  • Discuss various methods to introduce, create, and conclude a text.

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Are you still stressed about picking the right linguistics research paper topic? Without striking the right ideas to your mind, you find it hard to initiate your research work. But, don’t take tension anymore. Our professional and Ph.D. writers will help you to make the appropriate selection for linguistics assignments. Grab our online paper help and receive customized solutions for your research papers.

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New Ideas in Language Sciences: Linguistics

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Loading... Editorial 21 September 2023 Editorial: New ideas in language sciences: linguistics Rebecca Carroll , Mile Vukovic´ , Moreno I. Coco  and  David Townsend 888 views 0 citations

linguistics research projects topics

Original Research 23 August 2023 Morphological and conceptual influences on the real-time comprehension of optional plural marked sentences in Yucatec Maya Lindsay K. Butler 843 views 0 citations

Original Research 28 June 2023 L1 variation and L2 acquisition: L1 German /eː/-/ɛː/ overlap and its effect on the acquisition of L2 English /ɛ/-/æ/ Marcel Schlechtweg ,  1 more  and  Marina Frank 1,519 views 0 citations

Original Research 09 June 2023 An experimental investigation into scope rigidity in written Mandarin Hongchen Wu 1,366 views 0 citations

Original Research 04 May 2023 The wrong horse was bet on: the effects of argument structure versus argument adjacency on the processing of idiomatic sentences Laura Reimer  and  Eva Smolka 1,073 views 0 citations

Perspective 08 December 2022 Inflectional zero morphology – Linguistic myth or neurocognitive reality? Maria Alekseeva ,  1 more  and  Yury Shtyrov 1,910 views 0 citations

Original Research 04 November 2022 The development of speechreading skills in Chinese students with hearing impairment Fen Zhang ,  3 more  and  Liang Chen 1,536 views 0 citations

Loading... Original Research 13 October 2022 The relationships between students’ comprehension of conversational implicatures and their achievement in reading comprehension Safiye Çiftlikli  and  Özcan Demirel 2,599 views 3 citations

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Key Topics in Sociolinguistics

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This series focuses on the main topics of study in sociolinguistics today. It consists of accessible yet challenging accounts of the most important issues to consider when examining the relationship between language and society. Some topics have been the subject of sociolinguistic study for many years, and are here re-examined in the light of new developments in the field; others are issues of growing importance that have not so far been given a sustained treatment. Written by leading experts, the books in the series are designed to be used on courses and in seminars, and include useful suggestions for further reading and a helpful glossary.

  • General Editors: Rajend Mesthrie

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16 results in Key Topics in Sociolinguistics

linguistics research projects topics

Sociophonetics

  • Tyler Kendall , Valerie Fridland
  • Published online: 26 February 2021 Print publication: 11 March 2021
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  • View description Sociophonetics focuses on the relationship between phonetic or phonological form on the one hand, and social and regional factors on the other, working across fields as diverse as sociolinguistics, phonetics, speech sciences and psycholinguistics. Covering methodological, theoretical and computational approaches, this engaging introduction to sociophonetics brings new insights to age-old questions about language variation and change, and to the broader nature of language. It includes examples of important work on speech perception, focusing on vowels and sibilants throughout to provide detailed exemplification. The accompanying website provides a range of online resources, including audio files, data processing scripts and links. Written in an accessible style, this book will be welcomed by students and researchers in sociolinguistics, phonetics, speech sciences and psycholinguistics. See book website at http://lingtools.uoregon.edu/sociophonetics/

linguistics research projects topics

Language Maintenance and Shift

  • Anne Pauwels
  • Published online: 05 August 2016 Print publication: 04 August 2016
  • View description What motivates some linguistic minorities to maintain their language? Why do others shift away from it rather quickly? Are there specific conditions - environmental or personal - influencing these dynamics? What can families and communities do to pass on their 'threatened' language to the next generation? These and related questions are investigated in detail in Language Maintenance and Shift. In this fascinating book, Anne Pauwels analyses the patterns of language use exhibited by individuals and groups living in multilingual societies, and explores their efforts to maintain their heritage or minority language. She explores the various methods used to analyse language maintenance, from linguistic demography to linguistic biography, and offers guidance on how to research the language patterns and practices of linguistic minorities around the world.

linguistics research projects topics

Languages in Contact

  • Lisa Lim , Umberto Ansaldo
  • Published online: 05 November 2015 Print publication: 29 September 2015
  • View description Introducing new findings from popular culture, the globalised new economy and computer-mediated communication, this is a fascinating study of contact between languages in modern societies. Ansaldo and Lim bring together research on multilingualism, code-switching, language endangerment, and globalisation, into a comprehensive overview of world Englishes and creoles. Illustrated with a wide range of original examples from typologically diverse languages, including Sinitic, Autronesian, Dravidian and other non-Indo-European varieties, the book focuses on structural analyses of Asian ecologies and their relevance for current theories of contact phenomena. Full of new insights, it is essential reading for students and researchers across linguistics, culture and communication.

linguistics research projects topics

Multilingualism

  • Anat Stavans , Charlotte Hoffmann
  • Published online: 05 February 2015 Print publication: 12 January 2015
  • View description How do children and adults become multilingual? How do they use their languages? What influence does being multilingual have on their identities? What is the social impact of multilingualism today and how do societies accommodate it? These are among the fascinating questions examined by this book. Exploring multilingualism in individuals and in society at large, Stavans and Hoffmann argue that it evolves not from one factor in particular, but from a vast range of environmental and personal influences and circumstances: from migration to globalisation, from the spread of English to a revived interest in minority languages, from social mobility to intermarriage. The book shows the important role of education in helping to promote or maintain pupils' multilingual language competence and multilingual literacy, and in helping to challenge traditional monolingual attitudes. A clear and incisive account of this growing phenomenon, it is essential reading for students, teachers and policy-makers alike.

linguistics research projects topics

Sociolinguistic Fieldwork

  • Natalie Schilling
  • Published online: 05 April 2013 Print publication: 11 April 2013
  • View description Looking for an easy-to-use, practical guide to conducting fieldwork in sociolinguistics? This invaluable textbook will give you the skills and knowledge required for carrying out research projects in 'the field', including:How to select and enter a communityHow to design a research sampleWhat recording equipment to choose and how to operate itHow to collect, store and manage dataHow to interact effectively with participants and communitiesWhat ethical issues you should be aware of.Carefully designed to be of maximum practical use to students and researchers in sociolinguistics, linguistic anthropology and related fields, the book is packed with useful features, including:Helpful checklists for recording techniques and equipment specificationsPractical examples taken from classic sociolinguistic studiesVivid passages in which students recount their own experiences of doing fieldwork in many different parts of the world

linguistics research projects topics

Writing and Society

  • An Introduction
  • Florian Coulmas
  • Published online: 05 February 2013 Print publication: 07 February 2013
  • View description How does writing relate to speech? What impact does it have on social organisation and development? How do unwritten languages differ from those that have a written form and tradition? This book is a general account of the place of writing in society. Drawing on contemporary and historical examples, from clay tablets to touchscreen displays, the book explores the functions of writing and written language, analysing its consequences for language, society, economy and politics. It examines the social causes of illiteracy, demonstrating that institutions of central importance to modern society are built upon writing and written texts, and are characterised by specific forms of communication. It explores the social dimensions of spelling and writing reform, as well as of digital literacy, a new mode of expression and communication posing novel challenges to the student of language in society.

linguistics research projects topics

Language Attrition

  • Monika S. Schmid
  • Published online: 05 June 2012 Print publication: 07 July 2011
  • View description 'Language attrition' describes the loss of, or changes to, grammatical and other features of a language as a result of declining use by speakers who have changed their linguistic environment and language habits. In such a situation there may, for example, be simplification in the tense system or in certain properties of subordinate clauses; some vocabulary items might fall into disuse and phonetic features may be restructured. These changes can be affected by features of the speaker's environment, but also by his or her attitudes and processes of identification. This book provides a detailed and up-to-date introduction to the way in which language attrition can affect language, as well as to the extra- and sociolinguistic features involved. It also familiarizes the reader with experimental approaches to attrition and data analysis techniques and provides hands-on guidelines on how to apply them.

linguistics research projects topics

Attitudes to Language

  • Peter Garrett
  • Published online: 05 June 2012 Print publication: 08 April 2010
  • View description Just about everyone seems to have views about language. Language attitudes and language ideologies permeate our daily lives. Our competence, intelligence, friendliness, trustworthiness, social status, group memberships, and so on, are often judged from the way we communicate. Even the speed at which we speak can evoke reactions. And we often try to anticipate such judgements as we communicate. In this lively introduction, Peter Garrett draws upon research carried out over recent decades in order to discuss such attitudes and the implications they have for our use of language, for social advantage or discrimination, and for social identity. Using a range of examples that includes punctuation, words, grammar, pronunciation, accents, dialects and languages, this book explores the intricate and fascinating ways in which language influences our everyday thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

linguistics research projects topics

Language and Identity

  • An introduction
  • John Edwards
  • Published online: 05 June 2012 Print publication: 17 September 2009
  • View description The language we use forms an important part of our sense of who we are - of our identity. This book outlines the relationship between our identity as members of groups - ethnic, national, religious and gender - and the language varieties important to each group. What is a language? What is a dialect? Are there such things as language 'rights'? Must every national group have its own unique language? How have languages, large and small, been used to spread religious ideas? Why have particular religious and linguistic 'markers' been so central, singly or in combination, to the ways in which we think about ourselves and others? Using a rich variety of examples, the book highlights the linkages among languages, dialects and identities, with special attention given to religious, ethnic and national allegiances.

linguistics research projects topics

World Englishes

  • The Study of New Linguistic Varieties
  • Rajend Mesthrie , Rakesh M. Bhatt
  • Published online: 05 September 2012 Print publication: 19 June 2008
  • View description The spread of English around the world has been and continues to be both rapid and unpredictable. World Englishes: The Study of New Linguistic Varieties deals with this inescapable result of colonisation and globalisation from a social and linguistic perspective. The main focus of the book is on the second-language varieties of English that have developed in the former British colonies of East and West Africa, the Caribbean, South and South-East Asia. The book provides a historical overview of the common circumstances that gave rise to these varieties, and a detailed account of their recurrent similarities in structure, patterns of usage, vocabulary and accents. Also discussed are debates about language in education, the rise of English in China and Western Europe, and other current developments in a world of global travel and migration.

linguistics research projects topics

  • Language Variation and Identity
  • Nikolas Coupland
  • Published online: 14 May 2010 Print publication: 09 August 2007
  • View description Style refers to ways of speaking - how speakers use the resource of language variation to make meaning in social encounters. This 2007 book develops a coherent theoretical approach to style in sociolinguistics, illustrated with copious examples. It explains how speakers project different social identities and create different social relationships through their style choices, and how speech-style and social context inter-relate. Style therefore refers to the wide range of strategic actions and performances that speakers engage in, to construct themselves and their social lives. Coupland draws on and integrates a wide variety of contemporary sociolinguistic research as well as his own extensive research in this field. The emphasis is on how social meanings are made locally, in specific relationships, genres, groups and cultures, and on studying language variation as part of the analysis of spoken discourse.

linguistics research projects topics

Language and Ethnicity

  • Carmen Fought
  • Published online: 05 September 2012 Print publication: 31 August 2006
  • View description What is ethnicity? Is there a 'white' way of speaking? Why do people sometimes borrow features of another ethnic group's language? Why do we sometimes hear an accent that isn't there? This lively overview, first published in 2006, reveals the fascinating relationship between language and ethnic identity, exploring the crucial role it plays in both revealing a speaker's ethnicity and helping to construct it. Drawing on research from a range of ethnic groups around the world, it shows how language contributes to the social and psychological processes involved in the formation of ethnic identity, exploring both the linguistic features of ethnic language varieties and also the ways in which language is used by different ethnic groups. Complete with discussion questions and a glossary, Language and Ethnicity will be welcomed by students and researchers in sociolinguistics, as well as anybody interested in ethnic issues, language and education, inter-ethnic communication, and the relationship between language and identity.

linguistics research projects topics

Analysing Sociolinguistic Variation

  • Sali A. Tagliamonte
  • Published online: 05 June 2012 Print publication: 11 May 2006
  • View description The study of how language varies in social context, and how it can be analyzed and accounted for, are the key goals of sociolinguistics. Until now, however, the actual tools and methods have been largely passed on through 'word of mouth', rather than being formally documented. This is the first comprehensive 'how to' guide to the formal analysis of sociolinguistic variation. It shows step-by-step how the analysis is carried out, leading the reader through every stage of a research project from start to finish. Topics covered include fieldwork, data organization and management, analysis and interpretation, presenting research results, and writing up a paper. Practical and informal, the book contains all the information needed to conduct a fully-fledged sociolinguistic investigation, and includes exercises, checklists, references and insider tips. It is set to become an essential resource for students, researchers and fieldworkers embarking on research projects in sociolinguistics.

linguistics research projects topics

  • A Critical Introduction
  • Jan Blommaert
  • Published online: 02 December 2009 Print publication: 10 February 2005
  • View description This engaging 2005 introduction offers a critical approach to discourse, written by an expert uniquely placed to cover the subject for a variety of disciplines. Organised along thematic lines, the book begins with an outline of the basic principles, moving on to examine the methods and theory of CDA (critical discourse analysis). It covers topics such as text and context, language and inequality, choice and determination, history and process, ideology and identity. Blommaert focuses on how language can offer a crucial understanding of wider aspects of power relations, arguing that critical discourse analysis should specifically be an analysis of the 'effects' of power, what power does to people, groups and societies, and how this impact comes about. Clearly argued, this concise introduction will be welcomed by students and researchers in a variety of disciplines involved in the study of discourse, including linguistics, linguistic anthropology and the sociology of language.

linguistics research projects topics

Language Policy

  • Bernard Spolsky
  • Published online: 22 December 2009 Print publication: 11 December 2003
  • View description Language policy is an issue of critical importance in the world today. In this introduction, Bernard Spolsky explores many debates at the forefront of language policy: ideas of correctness and bad language; bilingualism and multilingualism; language death and efforts to preserve endangered languages; language choice as a human and civil right; and language education policy. Through looking at the language practices, beliefs and management of social groups from families to supra-national organizations, he develops a theory of modern national language policy and the major forces controlling it, such as the demands for efficient communication, the pressure for national identity, the attractions of (and resistance to) English as a global language, and the growing concern for human and civil rights as they impinge on language. Two central questions asked in this wide-ranging survey are of how to recognize language policies, and whether or not language can be managed at all.

linguistics research projects topics

  • Richard J. Watts
  • Published online: 24 November 2009 Print publication: 25 September 2003
  • View description During the fifteen years prior to the first publication of this book, existing models of linguistic politeness generated a huge amount of empirical research. Using a wide range of data from real-life speech situations, this introduction to politeness breaks away from the limitations of those models and argues that the proper object of study in politeness theory must be commonsense notions of what politeness and impoliteness are. From this, Watts argues, a more appropriate model, one based on Bourdieu's concept of social practice, is developed. The book aims to show that the terms 'polite' and 'impolite' can only be properly examined as they are contested discursively. In doing so, 'polite' and 'impolite' utterances inevitably involve their users in a struggle for power. A radically new account of linguistic politeness, the book will appeal to students and researchers in a wide range of disciplines, in linguistics and the social sciences.

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Top 100 Linguistics Research Topics To Explore

Table of Contents

Linguistics is a complex discipline that focuses on the systematic study of language structure and evolution along with how humans utilize it. It encompasses many topics such as syntax, phonetics, semantics, phonology, and morphology. Since this subject is broad, selecting the best linguistics research topics might be tough. But with our assistance, anyone can easily cross the linguistics research paper topic selection phase.

Especially, in this blog, we have suggested 100 excellent linguistics research paper topics and ideas. In addition to that, we have also shared how to find the right topic for linguistics research.

If you experience difficulties with identifying a good linguistics research paper topic, keep on reading this blog. Here, you will get exclusive ideas for linguistic research.

Learn How to Select an Ideal Linguistics Research Topic

The topic plays a deciding factor in the success of a research paper. So, for conducting linguistics research, it is essential to choose a perfect topic. In case, you are unsure how to select the right linguistics research topic, follow these steps.

  • Firstly, explore the various aspects of linguistics and find your area of interest.
  • In the field of your interest, search and gather numerous linguistics research ideas that allow you to showcase your knowledge.
  • Brainstorm all the collected ideas based on their research scope, feasibility, and availability of sources for references.
  • After brainstorming, refine the list. Eliminate all the ideas with no or less research scope. Give preference only to topics that support you in conducting an in-depth study and prove the thesis statement with valid proof or evidence.
  • Further, examine the narrow-down list and pick one original topic that is researchable within the deadline. The topic should meet your professor’s assignment instructions and help you achieve your goals.
  • Before finalizing the topic, consult with your mentors and get approval for it. Discussing the chosen topic with your instructors might help you in improving the quality of your work.

Also read: Top Greek Mythology Essay Topics and Ideas

List of Linguistics Research Topics and Ideas

Linguistics Research Topics

We know how challenging it is to pick the right topic for linguistics research. Therefore, here we have uploaded a list of excellent linguistics research paper topics and questions recommended by our subject experts. Carefully review the entire list and pick any research topic that meets your needs.

Simple Linguistics Research Topics

  • Focus on the development of contemporary linguistics.
  • Discuss the value of knowing multiple dialects.
  • Examine a paralinguistic dialect’s communication.
  • Analyze the efficiency of subject instruction and language assistance
  • Take a look at the early speculations about the origin of language
  • Examine the causes of receptive language disorders among children
  • Analyze how foul language is used to oppress minors.
  • Present a critical overview of five kinds of literature on sign language.
  • Analyze the complexities involved in code-switching and code-mixing
  • Examine the complexities in unspoken words.

Interesting Linguistics Research Ideas

  • Explain how current language is harmed by computers.
  • Explore the contribution of music to the development of languages.
  • How does media language change as a result of political oppression?
  • Examine social factors that necessitate language variation and varieties
  • What causes problems with the sentence and word flow?
  • Analyze verbal and written communication based on language usage.
  • Examine how external distractions affect the ability to comprehend or retain speech information.
  • Study the linguistic impact of colonization on indigenous languages.
  • Critically examine how sign language works.
  • Examine the correlation between symbols and words.
  • Identify the science involved in language reception.
  • Examine how age leads to a loss of language.
  • Analyze the impact of hate speech on women.
  • Investigate how literature promoted the English language.
  • Describe the advertisement language in social media and newspapers.

Read more topics: Interesting History Research Topics You Might Consider

Sociolinguistics Research Topics

  • Examine the impact of sociolinguistics on women’s emancipation.
  • Discuss the role of sociolinguistics education in the discipline-teaching process.
  • Explore the function of Sociolinguistics in the growth of children.
  • Examine how sociolinguistics helps to understand multilingualism.
  • Investigate the correlation between language and identity.
  • Analyze the impact of the generation gap on language usage.
  • Analyze language attrition among English speakers.
  • Explain the impact of dialect on gender.
  • Conduct an in-depth study on interactional sociolinguistics in the 21st century.
  • Perform a critical evaluation of language and ethnicity.
  • Evaluate mother tongue pronunciation and language fluency.
  • Examine language development challenges.
  • Explore the role of Greek philosophers in language formation.
  • Analyze the importance of learning more than one dialect.
  • Evaluate the possible variation of language based on class.

Applied Linguistics Research Topics

  • Explain the importance of the development of applied linguistics.
  • Analyze various methodologies to learn applied linguistics.
  • Examine the impact of bilingualism on an individual’s personality.
  • Analyze the significance of phrasal verbs in preparing technical documents.
  • Discuss the influence of identity in a multicultural society.
  • Examine the effect of bilingualism on an individual’s personality.
  • Evaluate applied linguistics in a technological environment.
  • Examine the influence of politics on linguistic media.
  • Discuss the intricacies of spoken and written language.
  • Discuss dialect barriers in social media networks.
  • Analyze the expansion of learning a second language through reading.
  • Describe language cognition and perceptions in a learning process.
  • Explain digitally-mediated collaborative writing for ESL students.
  • Analyze practical research methods on linguistics.
  • Explain how bilingualism enhances human personality.

Linguistics Research Ideas on Semantics and Translation

  • Investigate ethnographic semantics.
  • Examine uncertainty issues with language translation.
  • Explain how translation was made into other languages.
  • Analyze language use and language acquisition.
  • Explain the multidimensional semantics of evaluative adverbs.
  • Examine how the richness of semantics affects language processing.
  • Explain what causes ambiguity to arise in language.
  • Analyze the problems of ambiguity during language translation.
  • Examine the significance of trending technologies on translation.
  • Discuss the importance of audio-visual translation.
  • Examine the effectiveness of language translation.
  • Analyze the benefits of machine translation.
  • Investigate the challenges in the study of semantic and pragmatic theory.
  • Explain a semantic typology of gradable predicates.
  • Explain how meaning works in language analysis and interpretation.

Amazing Linguistics Research Paper Topics

  • Explain how linguistics evolves with time
  • Examine English-French load terms using phonetic analysis.
  • Analyze the causes of language death.
  • Examine the effectiveness of language support and subject teaching
  • Analyze the impact of slang in the development of languages.
  • Conduct a detailed analysis of language extinction.
  • Compare language and logic.
  • Analyze the schizophrenia text dataset.
  • Explain why written communication is more precise than spoken communication.
  • Investigate reduplication patterns in child language development.

Also read: Best Essay Topics and Ideas for Students to Get Started

Outstanding Linguistics Research Topics

  • Analyze the language of the apes.
  • Explain how to master legal circumstances with vocabulary.
  • Discuss the language limitations in social media.
  • Focus on persuasive language strategies and techniques in political speeches
  • Examine the factors that affect the capability of learning a language.
  • Explain how to measure the performance of speech recognition.
  • Examine the impact of blogging on learning languages.
  • Analyze Medieval German poetry through supervised learning.
  • Investigate the role and frequency of diminutives in children’s speech development.
  • Analyze regional dialect variation.

Excellent Linguistics Research Topics

  • Examine ancient languages.
  • Discuss the role of language in a country with a diverse population.
  • Explore the use of buzzwords and tag lines in political speeches
  • Take a look at the laws of language development.
  • Conduct a systematic review of linguistic diversity in modern culture.
  • Perform a multidimensional analysis of linguistics.
  • Discuss the importance of nonverbal communication in the context of teaching and learning.
  • Analyze tonal patterns in song lyrics.
  • Examine how vowel reduction occurs in rapid speech.
  • Analyze syntactic errors in second language acquisition.

From the list suggested above, choose any linguistics research topic of your choice and begin working on it. In case, it is hard for you to identify a perfect linguistics research topic or if you need help with writing a linguistics research paper, call us immediately.

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Linguistics

An overview of the discipline.

Linguistics is the scientific study of language and its structure. There are many subdisciplines within linguistics. The research at Penn includes research in the following subfields: computational linguistics, historical linguistics, morphology, phonetics, phonology, psycholinguistics, semantics, sociolinguisticss, and syntax. Linguistics has evolved over time; in the 18th century, the focus was on historical linguistics and looking for an original language. Language was viewed as the product, but the "Chomskian Revolution" in the mid 20th Century shifted the focus to language processes of the mind and how language is used. Linguistics has seen great change in the last 10-15 years. Linguistics is developing towards a more traditional science and new technology has allowed for easier communication and exchange of data.

Writing in the Discipline

Linguistics is characterized by explanatory writing; persuasion is never the main aim, but should come secondarily from strong explanation or description. Linguists focus on explaining their findings objectively and backing these up with strong evidence. As Penn linguistics professor Dr. Beatrice Santorini puts it, "The goal is that if you explain in clear enough terms and have substantial evidence, persuasion will happen naturally."

Although data is becoming increasingly important in the field with new technologies - so a trend of qualitative to quantitative evidence can be witnessed - the field can be considered text-based in the sense that texts are the source of all linguistics data. In general, evidence varies from subdiscipline-to-subdiscipline. Some fields rely more heavily on quantitative data versus qualitative evidence, but the trend is towards more quantitative data as computational linguistics methods improve. An example of using quantitative evidence in the field of sociolinguistics is by recording the number of times ta people use a negative concord versus a standard negation and correlating the resulting percentages with social variables like sex, ethnicity, and class using statistical methods. Quantitative evidence comes into play because many aspects of language are controlled by a grammar which divides possible forms into grammatical and ungrammatical and the resulting distinction between the two categories is a qualitative difference. Depending on the research question, the same text can be used as both data- and text-based evidence. For example, a text from the 1600s that is describing how words are pronounced can be used as text-based evidence if it is referenced as an authority on 17th century pronunciation, or it can be used as data-based evidence if the syntax of the text is examined.

Linguistics has become more collaborative as it has become more scientific; while most papers are authored by a single person, databases are shared between linguists. Linguists build on what their colleagues have done and what new questions arise based on current literature. In addition, linguists will collectively revisit unanswered questions after the emergence of new data.

The focus in linguistics is similar to problem definition and solution. First, a question is asked and then a hypothesis is formed before data is gathered to answer the question. An example of a solved problem in linguistics is that it has been found where the grammars of human language fall on the Chomsky hierarchy – they are mildly context-sensitive, a result found through computational methods in linguistics. An example of an unsolved problem, on the other hand, is the origin of change in languages. In some cases, it has been found that language change has been related to contact with other languages and bilingualism in language speakers. In other cases, however, languages seem to simply change without any apparent reason. Conclusions are drawn from this data and range in the level of confidence that can be drawn from the conclusions, given the accuracy and precision of the data.

Writing Tips

Important criteria for student writing.

In student writing, conceptual elements are more important than physical elements. Clarity and strength of reasoning and evidence are most important; other important elements include synthesis, demonstrating mastery of others' ideas, and having original ideas. Grammar only becomes a problem if the errors are so severe that they distract the reader.

Common Errors

One common error students make is not understanding their audience. They do not grasp how much background information they need to provide, or how they should go about determining this. Other common errors include errors in interpreting data or supporting hypotheses. Students may assume too much from their evidence. Evidence may be consistent with a hypothesis, but it is not necessarily conclusive. An alternative hypothesis may fit with the data. Furthermore, students often assume that languages simply look like one thing following another (e.g. one sound after another and one word after another). Instead, linguistic research consistently finds that linguistic items have a structural that is independent of temporal order. Moreover, the association of words that share rhymes and onsets is another common error that students make in linguistics.

What claims are acceptable varies from sub-discipline to sub-discipline. In syntax, judgments and interpretations play a large role, but, in general, linguistics is seeing a trend towards moving away from qualitative evidence and relying more heavily on quantitative evidence. Thus, in terms of broad overarching assumptions, one that is now commonly accepted is that language can be studied with the methods familiar to the natural sciences. Moreover, it is now a common assumption that the study of language can generally be mathematized and studied more thoroughly as a result of this quantification of the field.

Style Preferences

Positions should rarely be explicitly stated; papers should focus on explaining. Linguists are allowed more freedom with their structure, but certain journals have specific citation forms. The APA (American Psycholgical Association) style is used by most linguists, but linguists who are collaborating with other fields such as engineering may find themselves using citations that are used in these other fields. The literature review, results, discussion, conclusion, etc. depend a lot on the subfield. A recommended style manual for advanced undergraduates is the Abbreviated Linguistics Inquiry Style Sheet

Student Assignments

Students are often asked to dissect sentences using what they have learned. These assignments require problem solving and have many answers. An analogous assignment would be to analyze the number five. 5 = 2 + 3, but it also equals -1 + 6, as well as infinitely many other sums and products. Other examples of student assignments include editing a Wikipedia page, final research papers, and shorter written assignments.

Professional Writing

Some examples of professional writing include scholarly articles, textbooks, grant proposals, and blogs.

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Projects in Linguistics and Language Studies

Projects in Linguistics and Language Studies

DOI link for Projects in Linguistics and Language Studies

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Projects in Linguistics and Language Studies, Third Edition, is your essential guide when embarking on a research project in linguistics or English language. It is clearly divided into the subject areas that most appeal to you as a student: psycholinguistics; first- and second-language acquisition; structure and meaning; sociolinguistics; language and gender; accents and dialects; and the history of English. New chapters on researching computer-mediated communication (CMC) and on preparing and delivering oral presentations are also included. It offers practical advice on - identifying a topic - making background reading more effective - planning and designing a project - collecting and analysing data - writing up and presenting findings. With over 350 project ideas that you can use directly or adapt to suit different contexts and interests, and with chapters on how to reference effectively and how to avoid plagiarism, this third edition of Projects in Linguistics and Language Studies is a reference guide that you will use again and again during your studies.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter | 14  pages, introduction: starting on the right foot, part | 136  pages, areas of study and project ideas, chapter | 13  pages, psycholinguistics, chapter | 15  pages, first-language acquisition and development, chapter | 16  pages, second-language acquisition, structure and meaning, style in spoken and written texts, chapter | 9  pages, sociolinguistics, chapter | 10  pages, language and gender, accents and dialects of english, chapter | 11  pages, history of english, computer-mediated communication, part | 36  pages, techniques for collecting data, chapter | 4  pages, audio- and video-recorded data, chapter | 7  pages, experiments, questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups, chapter | 5  pages, observation and case studies, chapter | 3  pages, ethical considerations in research projects, part | 44  pages, tools for data analysis, chapter | 6  pages, transcribing speech phonetically and phonemically, transcribing speech orthographically, using computers to study texts, chapter | 17  pages, statistics and your project, part | 46  pages, presenting your work, how to reference, plagiarism and how to avoid it, handy hints on writing good academic english, hints on giving a good oral presentation.

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linguistics research projects topics

144+ Research Topics in Linguistics For Successful Paper

Research Topics in Linguistics

There is a wide variety of research topics in linguistics. You can use these topics in your thesis, essay, dissertation, project, proposal, or assignment. The English language is diverse and needs enough research to get the evolution and the diversity of all its elements. English has been translated to different languages and vice versa due to its widespread reach. When searching for a topic you should consult your professor to get the best guidance. It is not easy to write a research paper for a high grade. So, a re you in need of linguistic essay writing? We are here to help. Our expert writers are proficient in most languages and will help you achieve high grades at school. Not only does it apply to assignments but also all types of essays. We have cheap pricing even with the high-quality work that we offer. Your work will be delivered fast to ensure we meet your deadline. We will choose an interesting topic, do the research and provide professional work for you. We will make the whole process easier for you.

Sociolinguistic Research Topics

Are you looking for a sociolinguistic research topic that will allow you to remain at the top? Sociolinguistic research topics deal with how language affects people socially. These are some of the best:

  • How do social tension, racism, media, and popular entertainment affect the use of language by people?
  • Why do certain listeners think of one language as better than the other?
  • How does language change happen and for what reasons?
  • The effect of the generation gap on language.
  • Does social class affect language?
  • The influence of social media, media, power, and identity on language.
  • Compare linguistic practices between women and men.
  • Examine the various attitudes to language.
  • Analyze the sociological variations to languages.
  • Examine Bilingual Education and Language Maintenance in the world.
  • Examine dialect variations in people using British English in the world.
  • Determine sources of micro temporal clustering in sociolinguistic sequences.
  • How are the immigrant dialects and language maintenance in Australia?
  • Examine linguistic variation on language loyalty
  • Explain the effect of mixing two languages to make a new one.

Interesting Linguistics Topics

These linguistic topics can help you to do research that will provide top grades for you in the university. These are interesting topics that will make you think deeper about various issues related to language. If you are looking to get challenged, these are the best topics to start with.

  • Examine written versus spoken language.
  • How does ambiguity occur during language translation?
  • What are the factors that contribute to language shift and variation?
  • The effect of language support and teaching.
  • The best persuasive language techniques and terminologies.
  • How do sentences relate to each other in language?
  • Importance of trending technologies on translation.
  • Influence of language apps on the spread of different language dialects.
  • The importance of audio-visual translation.
  • What are the causes of receptive language disorder in different age groups?
  • Problems related to sentence and word flow.
  • How does brain development have an impact on language?
  • The importance of learning more than two languages
  • How does one’s mother tongue interfere with punctuation
  • Why are some languages difficult than others?

Linguistics Research Paper Topics

Do you need a linguistic topic that is not controversial? These are some of the best that will provide the best grades in linguistics. They are simple and you can get your research answers fast on the internet and get high grades.

  • How have text messages created a linguistic subculture?
  • The influence of computers on modern language.
  • The effectiveness of non-verbal and verbal communication to displaying emotions.
  • Is verbal communication more effective than verbal communication?
  • Communication of individuals without a shared language.
  • Do you think elementary schools should teach students more than one language?
  • The acquisition of language in different growth stages.
  • The influence of technology on communication.
  • The impact of music in language evolution.
  • The influence of language on gender differences.
  • Social change evolution through sociolinguistics.
  • Analysis of the impact of body language.
  • How words are used to master legal settings in the world.
  • Language review in an informal and formal setting.
  • Detailed evaluation of research methods on linguistics.

Language Research Topics

Searching online for language research topics can be a bit hectic. However, we made that easier for you. These topics are easy to research and workaround.

  • How does language influence cultural identity?
  • The impact of language on gender and power.
  • Does media affect the diversity of language?
  • How is technology making a positive or negative impact on language?
  • The influence of offensive language and free speech.
  • How to differentiate between standard and non-standard English.
  • The influence of diversity of language in the community.
  • How does language influence the behavior of people in workplaces?
  • How can you determine whether someone is talking the truth or lies through language?
  • How does the use of certain language influence advertising?
  • What is the relationship between minor and major languages?
  • The influence of printed communication media on purchasing levels of customers.
  • The best communication media for different age groups.
  • The influence of language on interpersonal relations and social interaction.
  • How do social media and politics affect language?

Linguistics Essay Topics

Finding an ideal topic can be hectic. However, with the right idea in mind, you can never go wrong in linguistics. They are broad and easy to articulate.

  • What makes it easy for people to differentiate languages and translate?
  • How does language influence gender differences?
  • The influence of language on creating bonds between different communities
  • How does language influence perception and the connection?
  • The influence of bilingualism on different societies.
  • The use of English in different professional settings.
  • Relation between multilingualism and bilingualism.
  • The factors that affect language learning abilities in society.
  • Which are the linguistic communication barriers and stereotypes.
  • The history of linguistic and its internationalization.
  • Modern linguistic and influence on the evolution of human language.
  • The pioneers of linguistic and their impact.
  • The challenge of linguistic and cultural diversity in Education
  • The relation between class, language, and ideology during the revolution
  • The methods used in the preservation of linguistic diversity in the world

English Research Topics

English is diverse and getting the right research topics can be a bit hectic. English language is globally spoken and has a great impact on the general society. Hence, here are some English research topics you can start with:

  • Psychological factors that influence customer purchasing power through language.
  • How can the genetic link to optimism shape attitudes?
  • Evaluate how students from wealthier backgrounds score higher on standardized tests.
  • What impact do mandatory physical education classes have on student’s health?
  • The strategies for improving low academic performance in the English language.
  • The impact of the mother tongue on students’ performance in English.
  • The impact of mother tongue on grammar and sentence structure.
  • The study of English literature and its impact on language growth.
  • English common spelling errors.
  • The importance of supervision in primary education development.
  • The correlation between the English language and literature.
  • The effect of truancy on academic performance in students.
  • Factors affecting language choice in a multilingual society
  • How can poetry be used as an expression of anger?
  • Language attitudes among teenagers.

Linguistics Project Ideas

Are you in the university and wondering where you can get the best linguistic project ideas? Finding a topic should not be a hard task. These topics are straightforward and will help you get top grades.

  • The analysis of the use of sentence stress on college students.
  • A sociolinguistic analysis of code-switching and code-mixing in educational institutions.
  • The importance of motivation in the acquisition of phonetic sounds.
  • The social Language variation about gender.
  • The influence of language in racism expression.
  • The cultural influence on the language.
  • An analysis of language on newspaper advertisement.
  • The ecology of acquisition of language in adults.
  • The major principles of metamorphosis on language.
  • Communication diversity in the health care system.
  • Communication in a multicultural workplace.
  • The linguistic features of legal language.
  • The study of advertisement language.
  • The inhibitions of English language proficiency.
  • Class stratification, poverty, and social injustice influence language.

List of Research Topics in English Language

English as a language has evolved. Hence, the need to understand its evolution. The English language is just like any other diverse language like Chinese, Russian or French. Here are some top-notch topics that you can use for your research.

  • The origin of the English language and its assimilation with other languages.
  • The difference between North America and South America Literature.
  • The various Irish writers in English literature.
  • The contribution of Indian writers on evolving of the English language.
  • The major contribution of Shakespeare to the English language.
  • The impact of female writers on English literature.
  • The major challenges of learning English as a second language.
  • Is there any gender controversy in the modern English language?
  • The influence of the industrial evolution of modern English.
  • The effect of professional qualification of English teachers in school-going students.
  • The problems experienced while teaching the English language in school.
  • The implementation and policy of success and failure in English.
  • The influence of extensive reading in promoting communication in school.
  • Investigation of special language needs in workplaces.
  • The strategies used for improving low academic performance in the English language.

Easy Research Paper Topics for English

Are you wondering where to get the best English research paper topics for college students? People prefer doing easy research projects to hard ones that may take them a huge amount of time. These are some topics that you can start with:

  • The cross-cultural influences of the English language.
  • Analyze the gender controversy in modern English and its evolution.
  • The representation of women in literature and the impact.
  • The imagist movement in the English Language.
  • A linguistic style analysis of gender variations in television news reporting.
  • The influence of children’s literature on cultural integration in the world.
  • The language behavior and its effect on a multilingual setting.
  • A sociolinguistic study of non-standard English word use formally.
  • The influence of love poetry in embracing love in the world.
  • A linguistic analysis of the language of humor.
  • An investigation of the auxiliary verb acquisition problem.
  • The impact of self-directed learning strategies on written English.
  • A comparative analysis of word-formation processes in English.
  • The process of inferencing in Language.
  • The major barriers to second language acquisition of English.

Linguistics Research Topics

These linguistics research topics deal with investigating the influence of language on diversity, evolution, and society. Linguistics started long before and society has a different perception of it. In these topics, you will argue out the influence of Linguistic in various dynamics.

  • How does society alter some word meanings?
  • How do genders perceive politeness via language use?
  • English assessment as a second language.
  • What makes some languages to be endangered and what causes that?
  • A forensic assessment of linguistic diversity.
  • Is language an essential element of human life?
  • Can the task-based language teaching perception be measured?
  • Analyze the performance measures for speech recognition.
  • The characterization of linguistic dimensions in multidimensional analysis.
  • Is applied linguistic important in the digitalized world?

Are You Having Problems With Your Linguistics Paper?

Are you tired of having to research a topic and write on your own? Are you in need of professional writing? Don’t be afraid to get research paper help from our professional writers.  We will make the process easy for you. We offer the best research paper writing service that you could ever think of. No more worries about where to get the best writing help. Contact us with a “ do my research paper for me ” request for quality assistance. We have ENL writers that are good at English to ensure everything works out as it should. They will provide custom essays, proposals, projects, thesis, and dissertations just for you.

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Top 50+ linguistics research topics for your paper.

linguistics research topics

Are you a student or a graduate of linguistics? If yes, there is no doubting the fact that research topics in linguistics are your bread and butter. You can escape them in school. Write within the confines of the topics in linguistics and get your grade without stress. However, linguistics is a wide field and it can be hard to pick one of the many linguistic topics for your research. Sometimes, the problem is not in picking a topic. The problem is that despite the wide scope of linguistics, you don’t know how to form linguistics research topics.

We noticed these problems with students and decided to help. Our solution is to compile a list of 50 linguistic research topics for linguistics students. These topics could form the basis of your linguistics research paper topics. You don’t have to worry anymore about topics for master thesis in linguistics. We have you covered for all English linguistics research topics. Let’s dive in!

Check Our 50 Linguistics Research Topics

There are linguistics research topics in abundance. If you search online, you would find more than a few examples. However, you need to know the aspect of linguistics you want to use for your linguistics paper topics. It would make no sense to have a list of thesis topics in applied linguistics and want to write on topics in cognitive linguistics. While they are all under the broad body of linguistics, they are quite different from each other.

So, the first step in finding the perfect linguistics essay topics is to choose the aspect of linguistics you want. After you have made a choice you can now look into linguistics topics in that aspect. We have made finding interesting linguistics topics in any aspect you chose easier by grouping our 50 linguistics research topics. All you have to do is search under the aspect of your choice.

Interesting Linguistics Research Topics

If you don’t only want to write a research paper but you want to find every minute of it intriguing, these interesting topics in linguistics are the ones for you.

  • What makes written communication more precise compared to spoken communication?
  • How to spot language disorders and deal with them
  • What contributes to the prevalent language shift and death in our society today?
  • The language of feminism: How formalized is it and how does it affect society?
  • Why is it impossible to claim to know a language entirely?
  • What salient factors cause ambiguity in language translation?
  • An in-depth analysis of feminism in Africa
  • Language vs Society: Which one influences the other? How does it affect the members?
  • How effective are subject teaching and language support?
  • What factors affect language choice in multilingual societies? (Study of selected communities)
  • The real functions of language

Linguistics Topics on Translation

If you want the latest research topics in applied linguistics, the topics under the following subheadings would help you. You just have to look for the aspect that you have an interest in and look at linguistics in that light.

  • How has technology affected translation at this age and time?
  • Is translation the cause of misunderstandings between speakers of different languages?
  • How effective is an audiovisual translation in revolutionizing the translation industry?
  • Does literal translation do more harm than good?
  • How has the translator training and pedagogy faired in the production of efficient translators?
  • How does translation relate to popular culture?

Translation is essential in this century with people of different languages communicating and coming together in a global economy. These topics look into the issues that translation encounter at this time.

Linguistics Topics on Politics

Politics is an ever-present phenomenon in any society. These dissertation topics in linguistics examine the issues surrounding language in the field of politics. We have explained samples of Ph.D. thesis topics in linguistics in this field.

  • The reality of hate speech in selected communities
  • The use of persuasive language strategies and tools in political speech
  • How colonial rule affected African politics and language
  • Why do politicians use indigenous languages to address communities?
  • A critical analysis of the changing political communication landscape
  • Effective political communication: A case study of selected politicians
  • How tag lines and buzz words are used to enhance political speeches

Sociolinguistics Research Topics

This aspect of linguistics examines how issues surrounding how language works in society. These research topics for English linguistics focus on how people in society use language and its effects on society.

  • What are the social factors that necessitate language varieties?
  • How does language affect identity?
  • An in-depth analysis of language attrition common to most English speakers
  • A critical evaluation of the difference in attitudes towards language in different societies
  • The differences in language functions in selected communities
  • How ethnicity affect language and vice versa

Argumentative Linguistics Research Topics

These topics in linguistics for research papers argue on issues surrounding language. You can use these topics if you want to show different sides of an argument in your research.

  • Is language the best way to communicate?
  • Can we say that language is merely a system of symbols
  • Do language disorders cause difficulties in the study of language?
  • Does brain injury lead to issues in language capacities?
  • Do mother tongue inflection and accent impact efficient communication?
  • Is it advisable to learn more than one language?

Linguistics Research Topics on History

Language was not a concept that started a few years ago. People have been communicating for centuries and centuries. These topics look at the history of language, sometimes about this age.

  • How Greek philosophy contributes to language
  • What are the early speculations scientists had about the origin of language?
  • Analysis of the history of language as explained in mythology
  • How do the 3,000 preserved cuneiform writings affect language?
  • A critical evaluation of different theories on the origin and development of language
  • Why has the question of language origin remained unanswerable?

Linguistics Research Topics on Semantics

Language is nothing without meaning. These interesting linguistic topics show how meaning and language mix and relate. You can research any one of these topics to understand how this field.

  • How does meaning affect language analysis and interpretation?
  • What is the major cause of language ambiguity?
  • How do sentences relate to one another?
  • How do speakers of different languages acquire a sense of meaning in conversation?
  • How can the meaning of words relate?
  • An in-depth analysis into how language is used and acquired in different communities

Tough Linguistics Research Topics

Do all the topics above seem too easy for you? Do you want something more challenging? We have a few topics for you. These topics would give you that challenge you want. Ensure that you do enough research on topics before you embark on them.

  • Why do people speak different languages?
  • What makes language translation possible?
  • What makes some languages harder to learn than others?
  • Why are English and French words similar?
  • Why does the mother tongue always affect pronunciation?
  • Does sign language only involve the hands?

How to Choose A Perfect Linguistics Topic for You

There are different aspects of linguistics. If you check online, you would find linguistic anthropology research topics, computational linguistics research topics, and much more. However, not all these aspects of linguistics would be perfect for your dissertation or thesis.

In selecting or creating the perfect linguistic topic for you, here are some of the tips from our experts in paper writing you should take into consideration.

  • Pick an aspect that interest you . Linguistics apply to different walks of life. Therefore, there are varied topics for your linguistics research. It can make choosing a topic quite stressful. What you do is find what interests you and find topics in that aspect. Start by looking for a broad aspect then narrow it down to a part of the field. For instance, you can start with applied linguistics and move on to linguistics in politics.
  • Brainstorm with friends . After you have chosen the aspect you like, you can pick a list of topics in linguistics for research papers and bounce off ideas from the topics with your friends. You can even write out your ideas from your brainstorming and ask your friends what they think about them. The topic that you notice that you and your friends keep going back to is possibly the best one for you. If you find a lot of things to talk about it, you would possibly find a lot of things to write about it.
  • Research the topics . Talk is cheap though. If you want to write on a topic, ensure that there are enough materials to support your claims. After you and your friends decide on a topic, research the topic before you start writing. Once you find that there are enough materials, you can start.

Linguistics has different aspects. If you check online and on our list, you would find different topics in these aspects, including topics related to linguistic diversity. Follow our guide and list to find the best linguistic topic for you!

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Trends and hot topics in linguistics studies from 2011 to 2021: A bibliometric analysis of highly cited papers

Associated data.

The datasets presented in this study can be found in online repositories. The names of the repository/repositories and accession number(s) can be found in the article/ supplementary material .

High citations most often characterize quality research that reflects the foci of the discipline. This study aims to spotlight the most recent hot topics and the trends looming from the highly cited papers (HCPs) in Web of Science category of linguistics and language & linguistics with bibliometric analysis. The bibliometric information of the 143 HCPs based on Essential Citation Indicators was retrieved and used to identify and analyze influential contributors at the levels of journals, authors, and countries. The most frequently explored topics were identified by corpus analysis and manual checking. The retrieved topics can be grouped into five general categories: multilingual-related , language teaching , and learning related , psycho/pathological/cognitive linguistics-related , methods and tools-related , and others . Topics such as bi/multilingual(ism) , translanguaging , language/writing development , models , emotions , foreign language enjoyment (FLE) , cognition , anxiety are among the most frequently explored. Multilingual and positive trends are discerned from the investigated HCPs. The findings inform linguistic researchers of the publication characteristics of the HCPs in the linguistics field and help them pinpoint the research trends and directions to exert their efforts in future studies.

1. Introduction

Citations, as a rule, exhibit a skewed distributional pattern over the academic publications: a few papers accumulate an overwhelming large citations while the majority are rarely, if ever, cited. Correspondingly, the highly cited papers (HCPs) receive the greatest amount of attention in the academia as citations are commonly regarded as a strong indicator of research excellence. For academic professionals, following HCPs is an efficient way to stay current with the developments in a field and to make better informed decisions regarding potential research topics and directions to exert their efforts. For academic institutions, government and private agencies, and generally the science policy makers, they keep a close eye on and take advantage of this visible indicator, citations, to make more informed decisions on research funding allocation and science policy formulation. Under the backdrop of ever-growing academic outputs, there is noticeable attention shift from publication quantity to publication quality. Many countries are developing research policies to identify “excellent” universities, research groups, and researchers ( Danell, 2011 ). In a word, HCPs showcase high-quality research, encompass significant themes, and constitute a critical reference point in a research field as they are “gold bullion of science” ( Smith, 2007 ).

2. Literature review

Bibliometrics, a term coined by Pritchard (1969) , refers to the application of mathematical methods to the analysis of academic publications. Essentially this is a quantitative method to depict publication patterns within a given field based on a body of literature. There are many bibliometric studies on natural and social sciences in general ( Hsu and Ho, 2014 ; Zhu and Lei, 2022 ) and on various specific disciplines such as management sciences ( Liao et al., 2018 ), biomass research ( Chen and Ho, 2015 ), computer sciences ( Xie and Willett, 2013 ), and sport sciences ( Mancebo et al., 2013 ; Ríos et al., 2013 ), etc. In these studies, researchers tracked developments, weighed research impacts, and highlighted emerging scientific fronts with bibliometric methods. In the field of linguistics, bibliometric studies all occurred in the past few years ( van Doorslaer and Gambier, 2015 ; Lei and Liao, 2017 ; Gong et al., 2018 ; Lei and Liu, 2018 , 2019 ). These bibliometric studies mostly examined a sub-area of linguistics, such as corpus linguistics ( Liao and Lei, 2017 ), translation studies ( van Doorslaer and Gambier, 2015 ), the teaching of Chinese as a second/foreign language ( Gong et al., 2018 ), academic journals like System ( Lei and Liu, 2018 ) or Porta Linguarum ( Sabiote and Rodríguez, 2015 ), etc. Although Lei and Liu (2019) took the entire discipline of linguistics under investigation, their research is exclusively focused on applied linguistics and restricted in a limited number of journals (42 journals in total), leaving publications in other linguistics disciplines and qualified journals unexamined.

Over the recent years, a number of studies have been concerned with “excellent” papers or HCPs. For example, Small (2004) surveyed the HCPs authors’ opinions on why their papers are highly cited. The strong interest, the novelty, the utility, and the high importance of the work were among the most frequently mentioned. Most authors also considered that their selected HCPs are indeed based on their most important work in their academic career. Aksnes (2003) investigated the characteristics of HCPs and found that they were generally authored by a large number of scientists, often involving international collaboration. Some researchers even attempted to predict the HCPs by building mathematical models, implying “the first mover advantage in scientific publication” ( Newman, 2008 , 2014 ). In other words, papers published earlier in a field generally are more likely to accumulate more citations than those published later. Although many papers addressed HCPs from different perspectives, they held a common belief that HCPs are very different from less or zero cited papers and thus deserve utmost attention in academic research ( Aksnes, 2003 ; Blessinger and Hrycaj, 2010 ; Yan et al., 2022 ).

Although an increased focus on research quality can be observed in different fields, opinions diverge on the range and the inclusion criterion of excellent papers. Are they ‘highly cited’, ‘top cited’, or ‘most frequently cited’ papers? Aksnes (2003) noted two different approaches to define a highly cited article, involving absolute or relative thresholds, respectively. An absolute threshold stipulates a minimum number of citations for identifying excellent papers while a relative threshold employs the percentile rank classes, for example, the top 10% most highly cited papers in a discipline or in a publication year or in a publication set. It is important to note that citations differ significantly in different fields and disciplines. A HCP in natural sciences generally accumulates more citations than its counterpart in social sciences. Thus, it is necessary to investigate HCPs from different fields separately or adopt different inclusion criterion to ensure a valid comparison.

The present study has been motivated by two considerations. First, the sizable number of publications of varied qualities in a scientific field makes it difficult or even impossible to conduct any reliable and effective literature research. Focusing on the quality publications, the HCPs in particular, might lend more credibility to the findings on trends. Second, HCPs can serve as a great platform to discover potentially important information for the development of a discipline and understand the past, present, and future of the scientific structure. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the hot topics and publication trends in the Web of Science category of linguistics or language & linguistics (shortened as linguistics in later references) with bibliometric methods. The study aims to answer the following three questions:

  • Who are the most productive and impactful contributors of the HCPs in WoS category of linguistics or language & linguistics in terms of publication venues, authors, and countries?
  • What are the most frequently explored topics in HCPs?
  • What are the general research trends revealed from the HCPs?

3. Materials and methods

Different from previous studies which used an arbitrary inclusion threshold (e.g., Blessinger and Hrycaj, 2010 ; Hsu and Ho, 2014 ), we rely on Essential Science Indicator (ESI) to identify the HCPs. Developed by Clarivate, a leading company in the areas of bibliometrics and scientometrics, ESI reveals emerging science trends as well as influential individuals, institutions, papers, journals, and countries in any scientific fields of inquiry by drawing on the complete WoS databases. ESI has been chosen for the following three reasons. First, ESI adopts a stricter inclusion criterion for HCPs identification. That is, a paper is selected as a HCP only when its citations exceed the top 1% citation threshold in each of the 22 ESI subject categories. Second, ESI is widely used and recognized for its reliability and authority in identifying the top-charting work, generating “excellent” metrics including hot and highly cited papers. Third, ESI automatically updates its database to generate the most recent HCPs, especially suitable for trend studies for a specified timeframe.

3.1. Data source

The data retrieval was completed at the portal of our university library on June 20, 2022. The methods to retrieve the data are described in Table 1 . The bibliometric indicators regarding the important contributors at journal/author/country levels were obtained. Specifically, after the research was completed, we clicked the “Analyze Results” bar on the result page for the detailed descriptive analysis of the retrieved bibliometric data.

Retrieval strategies.

(from Clarivate Analytics Web of Science Core Collection)
Index: Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) and Arts & Humanities Citation Index (A&HCI)
Web of Science categories = linguistics or language & linguistics
Refined by: Highly Cited Papers

Several points should be noted about the search strategies. First, we searched the bibliometric data from two sub-databases of WoS core collection: Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) and Arts & Humanities Citation Index (A&HCI). There is no need to include the sub-database of Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) because publications in the linguistics field are almost exclusively indexed in SSCI and A&HCI journals. WoS core collection was chosen as the data source because it boasts one of the most comprehensive and authoritative databases of bibliometric information in the world. Many previous studies utilized WoS to retrieve bibliometric data. van Oorschot et al. (2018) and Ruggeri et al. (2019) even indicated that WoS meets the highest standards in terms of impact factor and citation counts and hence guarantees the validity of any bibliometric analysis. Second, we do not restrict the document types as HCPs selection informed by ESI only considers articles and reviews. Third, we do not set the date range as the dataset of ESI-HCPs is automatically updated regularly to include the most recent 10 years of publications.

The aforementioned query obtained a total of 143 HCPs published in 48 journals contributed by 352 authors of 226 institutions. We then downloaded the raw bibliometric parameters of the 143 HCPs for follow-up analysis including publication years, authors, publication titles, countries, affiliations, abstracts, citation reports, etc. A complete list of the 143 HCPs can be found in the Supplementary Material . We collected the most recent impact factor (IF) of each journal from the 2022 Journal Citation Reports (JCR).

3.2. Data analysis

3.2.1. citation analysis.

A citation threshold is the minimum number of citations obtained by ranking papers in a research field in descending order by citation counts and then selecting the top fraction or percentage of papers. In ESI, the highly cited threshold reveals the minimum number of citations received by the top 1% of papers from each of the 10 database years. In other words, a paper has to meet the minimum citation threshold that varies by research fields and by years to enter the HCP list. Of the 22 research fields in ESI, Social Science, General is a broad field covering a number of WoS categories including linguistics and language & linguistics . We checked the ESI official website to obtain the yearly highly cited thresholds in the research field of Social Science , General as shown in Figure 1 ( https://esi.clarivate.com/ThresholdsAction.action ). As we can see, the longer a paper has been published, the more citations it has to receive to meet the threshold. We then divided the raw citation numbers of HCPs with the Highly Cited Thresholds in the corresponding year to obtain the normalized citations for each HCP.

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Highly cited thresholds in the research field of Social Sciences, General.

3.2.2. Corpus analysis and manual checking

To determine the most frequently explored topics in these HCPs, we used both corpus-based analysis of word frequency and manual checking. Specifically, the more frequently a word or phrase occurs in a specifically designed corpus, the more likely it constitutes a research topic. In this study, we built an Abstract corpus with all the abstracts of the 143 HCPs, totaling 24,800 tokens. The procedures to retrieve the research topics in the Abstract corpus were as follows. First, the 143 pieces of abstracts were saved as separate .txt files in one folder. Second, AntConc ( Anthony, 2022 ), a corpus analysis tool for concordancing and text analysis, was employed to extract lists of n-grams (2–4) in decreasing order of frequency. We also generated a list of individual nouns because sometimes individual nouns can also constitute research topics. Considering our small corpus data, we adopted both frequency (3) and range criteria (3) for topic candidacy. That is, a candidate n-gram must occur at least 3 times and in at least 3 different abstract files. The frequency threshold guarantees the importance of the candidate topics while the range threshold guarantees that the topics are not overly crowded in a few number of publications. In this process, we actually tested the frequency and range thresholds several rounds for the inclusion of all the potential topics. In total, we obtained 531 nouns, 1,330 2-grams, 331 3-grams, and 81 4-grams. Third, because most of the retrieved n-grams cannot function as meaningful research topics, we manually checked all the candidate items and discussed extensively to decide their roles as potential research topics until full agreements were reached. Finally, we read all the abstracts of the 143 HCPs to further validate their roles as research topics. In the end, we got 118 topic items in total.

4.1. Main publication venues of HCPs

Of the 48 journals which published the 143 HCPs, 17 journals have contributed at least 3 HCPs ( Table 2 ), around 71.33% of the total examined HCPs (102/143), indicating that HCPs tend to be highly concentrated in a limited number of journals. The three largest publication outlets of HCPs are Bilingualism Language and Cognition (16), International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism (11), and Modern Language Journal (10). Because each journal varies greatly in the number of papers published per year and the number of HCPs is associated with journal circulations, we divided the total number of papers (TP) in the examined years (2011–2021) with the number of the HCPs to acquire the HCP percentage for each journal (HCPs/TP). The three journals with the highest HCPs/TP percentage are Annual Review of Applied Linguistics (2.26), Modern Language Journal (2.08), and Bilingualism Language and Cognition (1.74), indicating that papers published in these journals have a higher probability to enter the HCPs list.

Top 17 publication venues of HCPs.

Publication TitlesNN%TPN/TP % (R)TCTC/HCP (R)IF
1611.199181.74(3)1,699106.19(14)4.763
117.708291.33(6)34931.7(17)3.165
107.004802.08(2)1,353135.3(12)7.5
74.907300.96(10)5,865837.86(1)4.521
74.901,4720.48(15)53376.14(15)4.518
64.201,0400.58(13)1,161193.50(9)4.018
64.206270.96(10)1,186197.67(8)4.155
64.205091.18(7)975162.50(11)5.24
42.802811.42(5)538134.50(13)3.063
42.803541.13(8)2,135533.75(2)7.778
42.802,1220.19(17)1,215303.75(3)1.86
42.803711.08(9)859214.75(6)4.769
42.806810.59(12)21353.25(16)3.401
42.802441.64(4)1,137284.25(4)4.158
32.101332.26(1)755251.67(5)3.87
32.105880.51(14)644214.67(7)5.964
32.108130.37(16)549183.00(10)2.842

N: the number of HCPs in each journal; N%: the percentage of HCPs in each journal in the total of 143 HCPs; TP: the total number of papers in the examined timespan (2011–2021); N/TP %: the percentage of HCPs in the total journal publications in the examined time span; TC/HCP: average citations of each HCP; R: journal ranking for the designated indicator; IF: Impact Factor in the year of 2022.

In terms of the general impact of the HCPs from each journal, we divided the number of HCPs with their total citations (TC) to obtain the average citations for each HCP (TC/HCP). The three journals with the highest TC/HCP are Journal of Memory and Language (837.86), Computational Linguistics (533.75), and Journal of Pragmatics (303.75). It indicates that even in the same WoS category, HCPs in different journals have strikingly different capability to accumulate citations. For example, the TC/HCP in System is as low as 31.73, which is even less than 4% of the highest TC/HCP in Journal of Memory and Language .

In regards to the latest journal impact factor (IF) in 2022, the top four journals with the highest IF are Computational Linguistics (7.778) , Modern Language Journal (7.5), Computer Assisted Language Learning (5.964), and Language Learning (5.24). According to the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) quantile rankings in WoS category of linguistics , all the journals on the list belong to the Q 1 (the top 25%), indicating that contributors are more likely to be attracted to contribute and cite papers in these prestigious high impact journals.

4.2. Authors of HCPs

A total of 352 authors had their names listed in the 143 HCPs, of whom 33 authors appeared in at least 2 HCPs as shown in Table 3 . We also provided in Table 3 other indicators to evaluate the authors’ productivity and impact including the total number of citations (TC), the number of citations per HCP, and the number of First author or Corresponding author HCPs (FA/CA). The reason we include the FA/CA indicator is that first authors and corresponding authors are usually considered to contribute the most and should receive greater proportion of credit in academic publications ( Marui et al., 2004 ; Dance, 2012 ).

Authors with at least 2 HCPs.

AuthorAffiliationsNFA/CATCC/HCP
Birkbeck Univ London7249270.3
Huazhong Univ Sci & Technol5521543
UCL52576115.2
CUNY31543181
Cape Breton Univ3229297.33
Univ Basel33392130.7
Univ British Columbia31915305
CUNY32543181
No Arizona Univ31676225.3
Univ Michigan21375187.5
Univ Auckland209849
UCL22956478
York Univ22241120.5
Karl Franzens Univ Graz20204102
Georgetown Univ21395197.5
Univ Potsdam20694347
Univ Tubingen21280140
Univ Ghent2116281
Penn State Univ22537268.5
Golestan Univ217738.5
Univ Nottingham21281140.5
Univ New South Wales218643
Ningbo Univ226130.5
Amer Univ Sharjah20204102
Xiamen Univ2212763.5
Univ Potsdam20694347
Hong Kong Polytech Univ2214874
Univ Technol Sydney22206103
Macquarie University22226113
Univ Maryland21292146
CUNY22475237.5
UiT Arctic Univ Norway;2114673
Univ Nottingham2012462

N: number of HCPs from each author; FA/CA: first author or corresponding author HCPs; TC: total citations of the HCPs from each author; C/HCP: average citations per HCP for each author.

In terms of the number of HCPs, Dewaele JM from Birkbeck Univ London tops the list with 7 HCPs with total citations of 492 (TC = 492), followed by Li C from Huazhong Univ Sci & Technol (#HCPs = 5; TC = 215) and Saito K from UCL (#HCPs = 5; TC = 576). It is to be noted that both Li C and Saito K have close academic collaborations with Dewaele JM . For example, 3 of the 5 HCPs by Li C are co-authored with Dewaele JM . The topics in their co-authored HCPs are mostly about foreign language learning emotions such as boredom , anxiety , enjoyment , the measurement , and positive psychology .

In regards to TC, Li, W . from UCL stands out as the most influential scholar among all the listed authors with total citations of 956 from 2 HCPs, followed by Norton B from Univ British Columbia (TC = 915) and Vasishth S from Univ Potsdam (TC = 694). The average citations per HCP from them are also the highest among the listed authors (478, 305, 347, respectively). It is important to note that Li, W.’ s 2 HCPs are his groundbreaking works on translanguaging which almost become must-reads for anyone who engages in translanguaging research ( Li, 2011 , 2018 ). Besides, Li, W. single authors his 2 HCPs, which is extremely rare as HCPs are often the results from multiple researchers. Norton B ’s HCPs are exploring some core issues in applied linguistics such as identity and investment , language learning , and social change that are considered the foundational work in its field ( Norton and Toohey, 2011 ; Darvin and Norton, 2015 ).

From the perspective of FA/CA papers, Li C from Huazhong Univ Sci and Technol is prominent because she is the first author of all her 5 HCPs. Her research on language learning emotions in the Chinese context is gaining widespread recognition ( Li et al., 2018 , 2019 , 2021 ; Li, 2019 , 2021 ). However, as a newly emerging researcher, most of her HCPs are published in the very recent years and hence accumulate relatively fewer citations (TC = 215). Mondada L from Univ Basel follows closely and single authors her 3 HCPs. Her work is mostly devoted to conversation analysis , multimodality , and social interaction ( Mondada, 2016 , 2018 , 2019 ).

We need to mention the following points regarding the productive authors of HCPs. First, when we calculated the number of HCPs from each author, only the papers published in the journals indexed in the investigated WoS categories were taken in account ( linguistics; language & linguistics ), which came as a compromise to protect the linguistics oriented nature of the HCPs. For example, Brysbaert M from Ghent University claimed a total of 8 HCPs at the time of the data retrieval, of which 6 HCPs were published in WoS category of psychology and more psychologically oriented, hence not included in our study. Besides, all the authors on the author list were treated equally when we calculated the number of HCPs, disregarding the author ordering. That implies that some influential authors may not be able to enter the list as their publications are comparatively fewer. Second, as some authors reported different affiliations at their different career stages, we only provide their most recent affiliation for convenience. Third, it is highly competitive to have one’s work selected as HCPs. The fact that a majority of the HCPs authors do not appear in our productive author list does not diminish their great contributions to this field. The rankings in Table 3 does not necessarily reflect the recognition authors have earned in academia at large.

4.3. Productive countries of HCPs

In total, the 143 HCPs originated from 33 countries. The most productive countries that contributed at least three HCPs are listed in Table 4 . The USA took an overwhelming lead with 59 HCPs, followed distantly by England with 31 HCPs. They also boasted the highest total citations (TC = 15,770; TC = 9,840), manifesting their high productivity and strong influence as traditional powerhouses in linguistics research. In regards to the average citations per HCP, Germany , England and the USA were the top three countries (TC/HCP = 281.67, 281.14, and 267.29, respectively). Although China held the third position with 19 HCPs published, its TC/HCP is the third from the bottom (TC/HCP = 66.84). One of the important reasons is that 13 out of the 19 HCPs contributed by scholars in China are published in the year of 2020 or 2021. The newly published HCPs may need more time to accumulate citations. Besides, 18 out of the 19 HCPs in China are first author and/or corresponding authors, indicating that scholars in China are becoming more independent and gaining more voice in English linguistics research.

Top 18 countries with at least 3 HCPs.

CountriesHCPsHCPs %TCC/HCPFA/CA
5941.2615,770267.2953
3524.489,840281.1426
1913.291,27066.8418
1510.493,981265.4013
128.391,06188.4210
96.292,535281.675
64.2046978.175
53.5021643.205
42.80668167.001
42.80540135.000
42.80549137.252
42.80539134.753
32.1027491.333
32.10521173.673
32.10523174.330
32.1011538.331
32.10393131.003
32.1023277.331

Two points should be noted here as to the productive countries. First, we calculated the HCP contributions from the country level instead of the region level. In other words, HCP contributions from different regions of the same country will be combined in the calculation. For example, HCPs from Scotland were added to the HCPs from England . HCPs from Hong Kong , Macau , and Taiwan are put together with the HCPs from Mainland China . In this way, a clear picture of the HCPs on the country level can be painted. Second, we manually checked the address information of the first author and corresponding author for each HCP. There are some cases where the first author or the corresponding author may report affiliations from more than one country. In this case, every country in their address list will be treated equally in the FA/CA calculation. In other word, a HCP may be classified into more than one country because of the different country backgrounds of the first and/or the corresponding author.

4.4. Top 20 HCPs

The top 20 HCPs with the highest normed citations are listed in decreasing order in Table 5 . The top cited publications can guide us to better understand the development and research topics in recent years.

Top 20 HCPs.

#RCNCAuthorsTitle (Publication Year)Journals
14,67738.88Barr, D.J., et al.Random effects structure for confirmatory hypothesis testing: keep it maximal (2013)Journal of Memory and Language
251920.24Lee, JB & Azios, JHFacilitator Behaviors Leading to Engagement and Disengagement in Aphasia Conversation Groups (2020)American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
35838.57Matuschek, H, et al.Balancing type I error and power in linear mixed models (2017)Journal of Memory and Language
41,3138.42Taboada, M, et al.Lexicon-Based methods for sentiment analysis (2011)Computational Linguistics
53747.06Li, WTranslanguaging as a Practical Theory of language (2018)Applied Linguistics
61365.44Alva Manchego, F, et al.Data-Driven sentence simplification: survey and benchmark (2020)Computational Linguistics
76935.22Heritage, JThe epistemic engine: sequence organization and territories of language (2012)Research on Language and Social Interaction
8465.11Zhang, Q; Yang, TReflections on the medium of instruction for ethnic minorities in Xinjiang: the case of bilingual schools in Urumqi (2021)International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism
95605.08Plonsky, L; Oswald, FLHow big is big? interpreting effect sizes in L2 research (2014)Language Learning
103714.65Kuperberg, GR; Jaeger, TFWhat do we mean by prediction in language comprehension? (2016)Language Cognition and Neuroscience
11414.56Greenier, V, et al.Emotion regulation and psychological well-being in teacher work engagement: a case of British and Iranian English…(2021)System
122404.49Macaro, E, et al.A systematic review of English medium instruction in higher education (2018)Language Teaching
134064.26Otheguy, R, et al.Clarifying translanguaging and deconstructing named languages:a perspective from linguistics (2015)Applied Linguistics Review
141074.24Schad, DJ, et al.How to capitalize on contrasts in linear(mixed) models: a tutorial (2020)Journal of Memory and Language
15384.22Shirvan, ME; Taherian, TLongitudinal examination of university students’ foreign language enjoyment and foreign language classroom anxiety…(2021)International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism
161014.04MacIntyre, PD, et al.Language teachers’ coping strategies during the Covid-19 conversion to online…(2020)System
173204.03Atkinson, D, et al.A transdisciplinary framework for SLA in a multilingual world (2016)Modern Language Journal
18364.00Jin, YX; Zhang, LJThe dimensions of foreign language classroom enjoyment and their effect on foreign language achievement (2021)International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism
19353.89Derakhshan, A, et al.Boredom in online classes in the Iranian EFL contexts: sources and solutions (2021)System
205753.83Wei, LMoment analysis and translanguaging space: discursive construction of identities…(2011)Journal of Pragmatics

To save space, not full information about the HCPs is given. Some article titles have been abbreviated if they are too lengthy; for the authors, we report the first two authors and use “et al” if there are three authors or more; RC: raw citations; NC: normalized citations

By reading the titles and the abstracts of these top HCPs, we categorized the topics of the 20 HCPs into the following five groups: (i) statistical and analytical methods in (psycho)linguistics such as sentimental analysis, sentence simplification techniques, effect sizes, linear mixed models (#1, 3, 4, 6, 9, 14), (ii) language learning/teaching emotions such enjoyment, anxiety, boredom, stress (#11, 15, 16, 18, 19), (iii) translanguaging or multilinguilism (#5, 13, 20, 17), (iv) language perception (#2, 7, 10), (v) medium of instruction (#8, 12). It is no surprise that 6 out of the top 20 HCPs are about statistical methods in linguistics because language researchers aspire to employ statistics to make their research more scientific. Besides, we noticed that the papers on language teaching/learning emotions on the list are all published in the year of 2020 and 2021, indicating that these emerging topics may deserve more attention in future research. We also noticed two Covid-19 related articles (#16, 19) explored the emotions teachers and students experience during the pandemic, a timely response to the urgent need of the language learning and teaching community.

It is of special interest to note that papers from the journals indexed in multiple JCR categories seem to accumulate more citations. For example, Journal of Memory and Language , American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology , and Computational Linguistics are indexed both in SSCI and SCIE and contribute the top 4 HCPs, manifesting the advantage of these hybrid journals in amassing citations compared to the conventional language journals. Besides, different to findings from Yan et al. (2022) that most of the top HCPs in the field of radiology are reviews in document types, 19 out of the top 20 HCPs are research articles instead of reviews except Macaro et al. (2018) .

4.5. Most frequently explored topics of HCPs

After obtaining the corpus based topic items, we read all the titles and abstracts of the 143 HCPs to further validate their roles as research topics. Table 6 presents the top research topics with the observed frequency of 5 or above. We grouped these topics into five broad categories: bilingual-related, language learning/teaching-related, psycho/pathological/cognitive linguistics-related, methods and tools-related, and others . The observed frequency count for each topic in the abstract corpus were included in the brackets. We found that about 34 of the 143 HCPs are exploring bilingual related issues, the largest share among all the categorized topics, testifying its academic popularity in the examined timespan. Besides, 30 of the 143 HCPs are investigating language learning/teaching-related issues, with topics ranging from learners (e.g., EFL learners, individual difference) to multiple learning variables (e.g., learning strategy, motivation, agency). The findings here will be validated by the analysis of the keywords.

Categorization of the most explored research topics.

CategoriesNhot topic items
Multilingual-related34Multilingualism(127), translanguaging(42), heritage language/speakers/learners(31), language/education policy(6)
Language learning/teaching-related30Language/writing development(35), academic writing/vocabulary/publishing(22), learning strategy(20), motivation(17), individual differences(13), CLIL(11), agency(11), flipped classroom(9), self-efficacy(9), EFL learner(7), ELF (7), early language(7)
Psycho/pathological/cognitive linguistics-related25Emotion(47), FLE(42), cognition(39), anxiety(35), FLCA(30), stuttering(21), anxiety/language/fluency disorder(16), boredom(14), language impairment(14), brain(11), working memory(9), speech language pathology/therapy/pathologists(7), positive psychology(6), language ideology(5)
Methods and tools-related16Model(67), review (35), qualitative data(14), quantitative data(8), corpus-based studies/teaching(6), longitudinal study/analysis(5), sentiment analysis(5), meta-analysis(5), eye tracking(4), mixed method(4)
Others38Lexical(25), identity(21), social interaction/difficulties(17), sematic models/mapping(15), Covid-19(9)

N: the number of the HCPs in each topic category; ELF: English as a lingua franca; CLIL: content and language integrated learning; FLE: foreign language enjoyment; FLCA: foreign language classroom anxiety

Several points should be mentioned regarding the topic candidacy. First, for similar topic expressions, we used a cover term and added the frequency counts. For example, multilingualism is a cover term for bilinguals, bilingualism, plurilingualism, and multilingualism . Second, for nouns of singular and plural forms (e.g., emotion and emotions ) or for items with different spellings (e.g., meta analysis and meta analyses ), we combined the frequency counts. Third, we found that some longer items (3 grams and 4 grams) could be subsumed to short ones (2 grams or monogram) without loss of essential meaning (e.g., working memory from working memory capacity ). In this case, the shorter ones were kept for their higher frequency. Fourth, some highly frequent terms were discarded because they were too general to be valuable topics in language research, for example, applied linguistics , language use , second language .

5. Discussion and implications

Based on 143 highly cited papers collected from the WoS categories of linguistics , the present study attempts to present a bird’s eye view of the publication landscape and the most updated research themes reflected from the HCPs in the linguistics field. Specifically, we investigated the important contributors of HCPs in terms of journals, authors and countries. Besides, we spotlighted the research topics by corpus-based analysis of the abstracts and a detailed analysis of the top HCPs. The study has produced several findings that bear important implications.

The first finding is that the HCPs are highly concentrated in a limited journals and countries. In regards to journals, those in the spheres of bilingualism and applied linguistics (e.g., language teaching and learning) are likely to accumulate more citations and hence to produce more HCPs. Journals that focus on bilingualism from a linguistic, psycholinguistic, and neuroscientific perspective are the most frequent outlets of HCPs as evidenced by the top two productive journals of HCPs, Bilingualism Language and Cognition and International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism . This can be explained by the multidisciplinary nature of bilingual-related research and the development of cognitive measurement techniques. The merits of analyzing publication venues of HCPs are two folds. One the one hand, it can point out which sources of high-quality publications in this field can be inquired for readers as most of the significant and cutting-edge achievements are concentrated in these prestigious journals. On the other hand, it also provides essential guidance or channels for authors or contributors to submit their works for higher visibility.

In terms of country distributions, the traditional powerhouses in linguistics research such as the USA and England are undoubtedly leading the HCP publications in both the number and the citations of the HCPs. However, developing countries are also becoming increasing prominent such as China and Iran , which could be traceable in the funding and support of national language policies and development policies as reported in recent studies ( Ping et al., 2009 ; Lei and Liu, 2019 ). Take China as an example. Along with economic development, China has given more impetus to academic outputs with increased investment in scientific research ( Lei and Liao, 2017 ). Therefore, researchers in China are highly motivated to publish papers in high-quality journals to win recognition in international academia and to deal with the publish or perish pressure ( Lee, 2014 ). These factors may explain the rise of China as a new emerging research powerhouse in both natural and social sciences, including English linguistics research.

The second finding is the multilingual trend in linguistics research. The dominant clustering of topics regarding multilingualism can be understood as a timely response to the multilingual research fever ( May, 2014 ). 34 out of the 143 HCPs have such words as bilingualism, bilingual, multilingualism , translanguaging , etc., in their titles, reflecting a strong multilingual tendency of the HCPs. Multilingual-related HCPs mainly involve three aspects: multilingualism from the perspectives of psycholinguistics and cognition (e.g., Luk et al., 2011 ; Leivada et al., 2020 ); multilingual teaching (e.g., Schissel et al., 2018 ; Ortega, 2019 ; Archila et al., 2021 ); language policies related to multilingualism (e.g., Shen and Gao, 2018 ). As a pedagogical process initially used to describe the bilingual classroom practice and also a frequently explored topic in HCPs, translanguaging is developed into an applied linguistics theory since Li’s Translanguaging as a Practical Theory of Language ( Li, 2018 ). The most common collocates of translanguaging in the Abstract corpus are pedagogy/pedagogies, practices, space/spaces . There are two main reasons for this multilingual turn. First, the rapid development of globalization, immigration, and overseas study programs greatly stimulate the use and research of multiple languages in different linguistic contexts. Second, in many non-English countries, courses are delivered through languages (mostly English) besides their mother tongue ( Clark, 2017 ). Students are required to use multiple languages as resources to learn and understand subjects and ideas. The burgeoning body of English Medium Instruction literature in higher education is in line with the rising interest in multilingualism. Due to the innate multidisciplinary nature, it is to be expected that, multilingualism, the topic du jour, is bound to attract more attention in the future.

The third finding is the application of Positive Psychology (PP) in second language acquisition (SLA), that is, the positive trend in linguistic research. In our analysis, 20 out of 143 HCPs have words or phrases such as emotions, enjoyment, boredom, anxiety , and positive psychology in their titles, which might signal a shift of interest in the psychology of language learners and teachers in different linguistic environments. Our study shows Foreign language enjoyment (FLE) is the most frequently explored emotion, followed by foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA), the learners’ metaphorical left and right feet on their journey to acquiring the foreign language ( Dewaele and MacIntyre, 2016 ). In fact, the topics of PP are not entirely new to SLA. For example, studies of language motivations, affections, and good language learners all provide roots for the emergence of PP in SLA ( Naiman, 1978 ; Gardner, 2010 ). In recent years, both research and teaching applications of PP in SLA are building rapidly, with a diversity of topics already being explored such as positive education and PP interventions. It is to be noted that SLA also feeds back on PP theories and concepts besides drawing inspirations from it, which makes it “an area rich for interdisciplinary cross-fertilization of ideas” ( Macintyre et al., 2019 ).

It should be noted that subjectivity is involved when we decide and categorize the candidate topic items based on the Abstract corpus. However, the frequency and range criteria guarantee that these items are actually more explored in multiple HCPs, thus indicating topic values for further investigation. Some high frequent n-grams are abandoned because they are too general or not meaningful topics. For example, applied linguistics is too broad to be included as most of the HCPs concern issues in this research line instead of theoretical linguistics. By meaningful topics, we mean that the topics can help journal editors and readers quickly locate their interested fields ( Lei and Liu, 2019 ), as the author keywords such as bilingualism , emotions , and individual differences . The examination of the few 3/4-grams and monograms (mostly nouns) revealed that most of them were either not meaningful topics or they could be subsumed in the 2-grams. Besides, there is inevitably some overlapping in the topic categorizations. For example, some topics in the language teaching and learning category are situated and discussed within the context of multilingualism. The merits of topic categorizations are two folds: to better monitor the overlapping between the Abstract corpus-based topic items and the keywords; to roughly delineate the research strands in the HCPs for future research.

It should also be noted that all the results were based on the retrieved HCPs only. The study did not aim to paint a comprehensive and full picture of the whole landscape of linguistic research. Rather, it specifically focused on the most popular literature in a specified timeframe, thus generating the snapshots or trends in linguistic research. One of the important merits of this methodology is that some newly emerging but highly cited researchers can be spotlighted and gain more academic attention because only the metrics of HCPs are considered in calculation. On the contrary, the exclusion of some other highly cited researchers in general such as Rod Ellis and Ken Hyland just indicates that their highly cited publications are not within our investigated timeframe and cannot be interpreted as their diminishing academic influence in the field. Besides, the study does not consider the issue of collaborators or collaborations in calculating the number of HCPs for two reasons. First, although some researchers are regular collaborators such as Li CC and Dewaele JM, their individual contribution can never be undermined. Second, the study also provides additional information about the number of the FA/CA HCPs from each listed author, which may aid readers in locating their interested research.

We acknowledge that our study has some limitations that should be addressed in future research. First, our study focuses on the HCPs extracted from WoS SSCI and A&HCI journals, the alleged most celebrated papers in this field. Future studies may consider including data from other databases such as Scopus to verify the findings of the present study. Second, our Abstract corpus-based method for topic extraction involved human judgement. Although the final list was the result of several rounds of discussions among the authors, it is difficult or even impossible to avoid subjectivity and some worthy topics may be unconsciously missed. Therefore, future research may consider employing automatic algorithms to extract topics. For example, a dependency-based machine learning approach can be used to identify research topics ( Zhu and Lei, 2021 ).

Data availability statement

Author contributions.

SY: conceptualization and methodology. SY and LZ: writing-review and editing and writing-original draft. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.

This work was supported by Humanities and Social Sciences Youth Fund of China MOE under the grant 20YJC740076 and 18YJC740141.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Supplementary material

The Supplementary material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1052586/full#supplementary-material

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University of Oxford

Faculty of Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics

University of oxford, search form.

linguistics research projects topics

Clarendon Institute © David Allen

  • Linguistics Research

The Faculty aims to be at the forefront of linguistics research across a range of subdisciplines, and is highly successful in gaining research funding from national and international funding bodies. This page provides an overview of some of the current and recent research in the Faculty, subdivided according to subject area.

Phonetics and Phonology

Psycholinguistics/Neurolinguistics

Syntax and Morphology  

Sociolinguistics

Philology and Historical Linguistics

Historical Pragmatics

Romance Linguistics

Germanic linguistics, celtic linguistics, slavonic linguistics.

Language Documentation and Description

Corpus Linguistics  

Other Linguistics research at Oxford

Phonetics & Phonology

Phonetics lab.

The Phonetics Laboratory was established as an independent department of the University in 1980, and in 2008 became a constituent part of the Faculty of Linguistics, Philology, and Phonetics. The Phonetics Research Group at Oxford is engaged in a wide range of research themes related to speech and language, including speech synthesis, computational phonology, the neurology of speech production, vocal tract imaging and the analysis and modelling of intonation in English. See the Phonetics Lab website for more information.

Language & Brain Lab

Much of the Faculty’s research on phonology has a psycholinguistic angle and takes place within the Language & Brain Laboratory. See below under ‘Psycholinguistics/Neurolinguistics’ and for more information see the Language & Brain Lab website .

Dr Mary Baltazani  currently is a co-investigator in the John Fell Fund project ‘ Mapping prosodic convergence in Cyprus: a geo-historical acoustic investigation of the effects of insularity at a linguistic crossroads ’, which investigates how geographical and temporal factors influence the sharing of prosody across typologically diverse languages spoken within a specific area, namely Cyprus. She led the ESRC funded project ‘ Greek in Contact ’, which examined the impact of long-term language contact on the intonational patterns of Greek varieties, whose speakers lived and interacted with Turkish and Italian speaking populations. Dr Baltazani was also a co-investigator on a BA funded project ‘Components of Intonation and the Structure of Intonational Meaning’, examining the longstanding debate on the compositionality of intonational meaning. 

Breton Morphophonology

Dr Holly Kennard ’s research interests lie in Breton phonology and morphophonology, and how this is being affected by the current revitalisation of the language. Her work has focused on initial consonant mutation, word stress and grammatical gender, and she was PI on the British Academy funded project: Metrical structure, gender and mutation: two generations of Breton speakers under influence from French . Most recently, she has received a grant from the University’s John Fell Fund to begin a new project on intonation in Breton. More generally, Dr Kennard is interested in the morphological and phonological adaptation of loanwords, and language endangerment and revitalisation.

Word Prosody and Intonation – Phonetics and Phonology  

Dr Jose Elias-Ulloa is interested in the study of prosodic structure (moraic content, syllable weight, metrical feet, and stress). He has published several articles on contextually variable-syllable weight, prosodically governed allomorphy, and metrically conditioned-phonological processes. He also conducts intonational studies in the context of language contact. His interest in this area is the investigation of the phonetic and phonological properties of the intonational systems that are involved in the contact of Latin American Spanish (particularly, Peruvian Spanish) and Amazonian languages (mainly, Pano languages). These studies comprise the analysis of the indigenous languages, the analysis of the regional monolingual Spanish with which the indigenous language is in contact, and the intonational analysis of the bilingual Spanish that emerges from that contact. Within the theoretical framework of Autosegmental-Metrical Theory of Intonational Phonology, Dr Elias-Ulloa’s research questions revolve around issues related to the transfer of intonational properties from one system to the other, the direction of that transfer, and the emergence of both unmarked and hybrid intonational patterns in the languages in contact. A list of recent publications can be found here . 

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Psycholinguistics & Neurolinguistics

The Language & Brain Laboratory was established in 2008 as part of the Faculty of Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics. It is an active research laboratory covering all aspects of linguistics, including phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. Research members in this laboratory are engaged in theoretical as well as experimental research covering psycholinguistic and neurolinguistic methodology. See the Language & Brain Lab website for more information.

PERTINACITY

The current major project in the Language & Brain Lab is  Pertinacity , which has been awarded to Professor Aditi Lahiri by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The project, which began on October 1st, 2022, investigates the principle of ‘Pertinacity’ – or persistence – in language.  

Centuries of linguistic research have stated that phonological change is inescapable. Some have claimed syntax to be inert, changing only due to phonological or semantic change. This project takes an unusual and challenging view that phonology is pertinacious and changes in existing phonological systems are governed by two principles of Pertinacity: 

Either a particular phonological pattern persists but is extended to apply to new forms and different outputs emerge: [A] same pattern, different outputs 

Or output forms look alike, but the underlying phonological system alters due to changes elsewhere in the grammar: [B] different pattern, same outputs 

The Pertinacity project will allow us to set out our expectations, and better understand the reasons behind the whys and why nots of phonological change. Classical historical research will be combined with psycho- and neurolinguistic experimentation and computational speech recognition to explore the central issues of linguistic change and stability, diversity and uniformity. The Pertinacity team is currently conducting fieldwork in India on how similar underlying patterns with differential outputs govern phonological processing in related languages. 

Read more here .

Journey of Words: From manuscript to mind

The vocabulary of any language comes from different sources as words are often borrowed from one language into another, especially in situations of language contact. English, for example, shares many words with French because a large number of French and Latin (Romance) borrowings entered the English language, particularly after the Norman Conquest in 1066.  

Other languages, for example Dutch and German, have also borrowed a considerable number of Romance words. When a word is borrowed, its pronunciation is adapted to fit the sound system of the new language (e.g. ‘ beef ’ from Old French ‘ boef ’). Therefore, there are many cases where the same word is borrowed into different languages but is pronounced differently because the languages’ sound systems differ.  

In this project, we are investigating the stress patterns of Romance loanwords in Dutch, English, and German. Some of these words are pronounced in the same way in all three languages (e.g.  vendétta ) while others show certain differences particularly in vowel quality and stress (e.g.  horízon  (E),  hórizon  (D),  Horizónt  (G)). 

The project consists of two distinct research strands:  

A historical theoretical study in order to create a timeline of borrowings as well as a synchronic description of patterns of phonological adaptation into the three host languages. 

A psycholinguistic investigation concerned with the processing of words which differ in their stress patterns across the languages in Dutch and German second-language (L2) learners of English. 

 For further detailed information, please explore our  JoW project website . 

Complexity in Derivational Morphology: Theory and experimental evidence 

In collaboration with the University of Konstanz (Co-PIs Professor Aditi Lahiri and Professor Dr Carsten Eulitz), this grant which is jointly funded by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation; DFG) runs from 2020 to 2024 and investigates the processing of complex derived words in English and German, focusing in particular on the neural structures underlying morphological processing using EEG and fMRI. Questions asked regarding the processing of derivational complexity include: how do prefixes differ from suffixes both temporally and spatially in the brain, does derivational depth interact with phonological alternations associated with derivation, and what is the role of derivational changes in grammatical gender in processing? In addition to these psycholinguistic and neurolinguistic questions, we also investigate as part of this grant the theory and historical development of derivational systems in English, German, and Dutch. In this latter area we are particularly interested in morphophonological changes in the three languages and differences in borrowing patterns from Romance. 

For further detailed information, please explore our project website .

From October 2016 to September 2021, the Language & Brain Lab’s major project was:  MORPHON: Resolving Morpho-Phonological Alternation: Historical, Neurolinguistic, and Computational approaches. The project is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) under an Advanced Investigator Award to the PI, Professor Aditi Lahiri . For more information see here .

From October 2011 to September 2016, the Language & Brain Lab’s major project was:  WORDS: Asymmetry, change and processing in phonological mental representation.  The project was funded by the European Research Council (ERC) under an Advanced Investigator Award to the PI, Professor Aditi Lahiri . The five-year project combined approaches from historical linguistics, psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, phonology and computational modelling to examine the abstract representation of words.

Sentence Processing Laboratory 

Professor Matt Husband undertakes research into the syntax-semantics interface and language processing. His lab focuses on predictive mechanisms and memory architectures in sentence processing, addressing questions about the real-time processing of grammatically-determined aspects of sentence interpretation. Prof Husband’s research makes use of behavioral and neurophysiological techniques, including eye movements and electroencephalography. 

Syntax and Morphology

Lexical functional grammar.

Much research on syntax in the Faculty is within the framework of Lexical Functional Grammar, a constraint-based linguistic theory which represents different aspects of the structure of an utterance as separate but related grammatical modules. Professor Mary Dalrymple , Dr Louise Mycock , and Dr John Lowe recently authored The Oxford Reference Guide to Lexical Functional Grammar , published by Oxford University Press in 2019.

The Uncovering Sanskrit Syntax project ran from January 2019 to December 2021, funded by a Leverhulme Trust grant to the PI, Dr John Lowe . The PI and two research associates used corpus data to establish a coherent picture of the interclausal syntax of Sanskrit, an ancient language of India.

The Faculty has a wealth of expertise in minimalist syntax.

Professor David Willis works on minimalist approaches to syntactic variation and change, as well as the synchrony of negation and wh -dependencies.

Professor Sam Wolfe  investigates syntactic typology and change using the Minimalist framework, with a particular interest in the Cartographic Enterprise. He recently co-edited Rethinking Verb Second (2020; OUP) and is now editing a major work on Cartography entitled Mapping Syntax .

Dr Kerstin Hoge  undertakes research primarily in the syntax and morphosyntax of German and Yiddish.

Dr Víctor Acedo-Matellán ’s research centres on the morphosyntax of argument and event structure (resultative constructions, the expression of inner aspect), and the syntax-morphology interface (the syntax of roots, the architecture of extended projections, allomorphy and allosemy), from the perspective of minimalist approaches like Distributed Morphology and Spanning Theory.

Dr Danfeng Wu studies the syntax and semantics of focus and ellipsis in coordination using a minimalist approach, and works with Dr Jose Elias-Ulloa to uncover their prosodic properties in English and Spanish.

Growing out of his research on the compositional aspects of events and states, Professor Matt Husband has been examining the composition of generic interpretations from a neo-constructionist perspective. This research examines the morphosyntactic units that underlie reference to kinds/subkinds and generalizations over individuals and events, identifying the compositional primitives we use to go beyond our particular experiences and express our knowledge, beliefts, steretypes and prejudices about the nature of our world.

Dr Krishnan Ram-Prasad works on syntactic change and reconstruction, with a particular focus on relative clauses, clitics and the left periphery. He is a currently a co-convener of the Oxford Historical Syntax Seminar.

Formal properties of grammars

Dr Diego Krovochen ’s work analyses the formal properties of syntactic theories (do they assume derivations or constraints? Are structures formalised using sets, strings, or graphs? How are the building blocks of syntax defined and how do they interact?), and the way in which these properties impact the empirical adequacy of grammatical analyses expressible in those theories. He works on the interaction between formal language theory and natural language syntax under the assumption that syntactic structures in natural language are not computationally uniform (‘mixed computation’), in particular from the perspective of Tree Adjoining Grammars and Transformational Grammar. Papers can be found here .

Formal semantics and pragmatics

Dr Daniel Altshuler is a formal semanticist whose research engages with the interface between semantics and pragmatics. His research aims to understand context dependence, particularly how semantic composition interacts with discourse structure and discourse coherence. Dr Altshuler’s forthcoming, co-authored book, Discourse interpretation: A formal theory of coherence relations (Oxford University Press), will show how well-known phenomena at the semantics-pragmatics interface are best analysed using tools from discourse coherence theory. 

Dr Altshuler research also explores how literary discourse motivates extensions of dynamic-semantic frameworks, looking particular at imaginative resistance, narrative garden-path and other forms of ‘narrative frustration’. Dr Altshuler’s forthcoming, co-authored book, Literature as a formal language (Routledge), will provide an analysis of narrative garden path in Sylvie , a masterpiece of 19th Century French Literature by Gérard de Nerval. 

Glue Semantics

Together with Dr John Lamping of Google and Dr Vijay Saraswat of IBM TJ Watson Research Lab, Professor Mary Dalrymple is one of the architects of Glue Semantics, a theory of the syntax-semantics interface. It is compatible with various syntactic frameworks, though most work within the glue framework has been conducted within Lexical Functional Grammar. Professor Dalrymple, Dr Louise Mycock , and Dr John Lowe ’s handbook  The Oxford Reference Guide to Lexical Functional Grammar  provides an introduction to glue, and glue analyses for many of the syntactic constructions discussed in the work.

Semantics and psycholinguistics

Professor Matt Husband , Associate Professor of Psycholinguistics, undertakes psycholinguistics research into semantics and the syntax-semantics interface, with recent projects on quantifier restrictions and illusory NPI licensing, the role of focus alternatives, and the processing of scalar implicatures (see above ). Professor Husband and Dr Altshuler are jointly investigating coherence phenomena in real-time processing. 

Professor Deborah Cameron is a sociolinguist and discourse analyst with two main areas of interest: (1) language ideologies/ verbal hygiene, and (2) language and gender studies.

Professor David Willis ’s research interests include syntactic variation incorporating theoretical and geospatial perspectives. His recent project attempts to map morposyntactic variation among Twitter users in English, Welsh and other languages.

Dr Ros Temple ’s research interests lie in the areas of phonetics/phonology and variationist linguistics and the interface between the two, particularly the implications of variability in fine phonetic detail for both phonetic/phonological and variationist theory. She has worked on these topics with reference particularly to French, English and Welsh.

Philology & Historical Linguistics

The Faculty has particular strengths in Classical and Indo-European Philology. For more information see the Philology page .

Ancient Greek

Professor Andreas Willi has particular research interests in the historical and comparative grammar of Ancient Greek, including its Indo-European background, as well as the registers and dialects of Greek literary and non-literary texts. He has published on various aspects of the interface between language and society in antiquity, on the history of the Greek alphabet, on the early stages of ancient grammatical thought, and on the etymology of Greek, Latin, and other Indo-European languages. More recently, a further focus of his work has been the history of ancient scholarship on Greek comedy in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. 

Professor Philomen Probert is interested in ancient Greek, Latin, Anatolian and Indo-European linguistics, and in the Graeco-Roman grammatical tradition. She has written on the prehistory of the Greek accentuation system, its contribution to historical linguistics and phonological theory, its description in ancient grammatical texts (and the impact of these descriptions on the Latin grammatical tradition), and on relative clauses in Anatolian and early Greek. 

Dr Alessandro Vatri has worked primarily on the stylistics, pragmatics, and cognition of Ancient Greek. His research focuses on the use of Greek as a medium of communication in Antiquity, with a particular interest in ancient critical and rhetorical literature as a source of primary evidence for its native perception. He has published on several aspects of ancient language comprehension, including the psychoacoustics of prose rhythm, on discourse marking, on ancient stylistics, and on the pragmatics of Greek oratory and literary criticism. He is also the curator of the Diorisis Ancient Greek Corpus and has a strong interest in computational and quantitative research methods. 

Dr Michele Bianconi has worked extensively on language contact between Greek and the Anatolian languages and is currently producing the first monograph on the topic (Oxford University Press). He is also interested in Greek verbal morphosyntax, language contact between Hebrew, Greek, and Latin in Biblical texts, and Greek dialects, in particular Mycenaean Greek. 

Professor Wolfgang de Melo has published on early Latin, especially Plautus, and Varro. His first book, The Early Latin Verb System , came out with OUP in 2007. He then went on to edit and translate Plautus for the Loeb Classical Library (5 vols., HUP, 2011-13). His interest in Roman grammarians is reflected in his work on Varro; his Varro’s De lingua Latina appeared in 2019 (2 vols., OUP). In 2022, he wrote Latin Linguistics, an introduction to linguistics for students of Latin (De Gruyter, 2023 or 2024). From September 2023, he will be on research leave for three years, thanks to a Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship; during this time, he will be working on a syntax of Plautus and Terence, and he will only be able to take on doctoral students within that area of study.

Dr Víctor  Acedo-Matellán ’s research on Latin covers the morphosyntactic expression of events of transition in Early and Classical Latin, focusing on the role of prefixes, and the morphosyntax and semantics of spatial datives. 

Indo-Iranian

Dr John Lowe researches the syntax and semantics of ancient Indo-Iranian languages, in particular Sanskrit, Avestan and Prakrit. He is currently PI of the project ‘ LINGUINDIC ’.

Dr Krishnan Ram-Prasad studies the syntax of Sanskrit alongside other ancient Indo-European languages including Latin, Ancient Greek and Hittite. His comparative research works towards the syntactic reconstruction of Proto-Indo-European, as well as studying syntactic change within the different branches of the language family.

In addition to his work on the linguistic relationships between Anatolian and Greek (see above), Dr Michele Bianconi is interested in all aspects of Hittite of and the less-attested Anatolian languages (Luwian, Lycian, Lydian, Carian), on Anatolian and Indo-European etymologies, on cultural contact between Anatolian and Archaic Greece, and on the role of Anatolian in Indo-European cultural reconstruction. He is also investigating language shift and “language death” in the Anatolian peninsula in the late 1st millennium BCE and in the first centuries CE. 

Historical Linguistics

Many members of the Faculty have research interests in historical linguistics, including Professor Aditi Lahiri , Professor David Willis , Professor Sam Wolfe , Dr Víctor Acedo-Matellán , Dr Richard Ashdowne ,  Dr Hanne Eckhoff ,  Dr Howard Jones , Dr Sandra Paoli , and Dr Johanneke Sytsema . Professor Willis is currently undertaking an AHRC–DFG project on the history of pronominal subjects in the Celtic, Germanic and Slavonic languages of northern Europe.

Historical Pragmatics

A recent addition to the Faculty’s teaching and research, Historical Pragmatics investigates diachronic language change through the lens of its usage, focusing on the dyad speaker-hearer and invited inferences. Dr Sandra Paoli ’s research focuses on looking for reasons motivating language change in the way the meaning of a certain construction is negotiated between discourse participants. Her recent projects include negation in early Occitan, the development of affirmative particles from manner adverbs and pragmatic markers in Mauritian Creole (with Dr Hannah Davidson ).

Several members of the faculty undertake research on Romance linguistics, including  Professor Martin Maiden , Dr Sandra Paoli , Professor Sam Wolfe , Dr Víctor Acedo-Matellán , Dr Hannah Davidson ,  Dr Jose Elias-Ulloa , and Dr Marc Olivier .

Professor Martin Maiden has published widely on Romance linguistics and morphology. Together with Adam Ledgeway (Cambridge), Professor Maiden is currently editing The Oxford Handbook of the Italian Language , to be published by Oxford University Press. Recent publications include The Cambridge Handbook of Romance Linguistics (co-edited with Adam Ledgeway; Cambridge University Press), and The Oxford History of Romanian Morphology (in collaboration with Gabriela Pană Dindelegan, Adina Dragomirescu, Rodica Zafiu, and Oana Uță Bărbulescu; Oxford University Press).

Professor Sam Wolfe has worked extensively on the historical syntax of various Romance varieties, with particular interests in Gallo-Romance and Italo-Romance. His most recent monograph, Syntactic Change in French (OUP; 2021), offers the most exhaustive formal account to date of the evolution of French syntax, and his previous monograph Verb Second in Medieval Romance (OUP; 2018) offered a unified account of the evolution of the controversial Verb Second property in six different Romance varieties. He is currently collaborating with colleagues at the University of Padua on writing a grammar of Old Venetan and received funding from the John Fell Fund for the project A Comparative Perspective on the Languages of the Veneto .  

With the support of both external (British Academy) and internal (John Fell Fund, Balliol College Research Allowance) funds, Dr Sandra Paoli has been working on the development of negation in Occitan, the go-past construction in Occitan and on pragmatic markers in Mauritian Creole. More information can be found on her webpage . 

Dr Hannah Davidson works on Mauritian Creole, both diachronically and synchronically. Following a John-Fell funded project on pragmatic markers with Dr Sandra Paoli, she is now investigating linguistic attitudes towards the languages of Mauritius.

Dr Jose Elias-Ulloa works on the phonetics and phonology of Latin American Spanish, particularly on the varieties spoken in Peru. He is mainly interested in the study of their prosody, and how it influences the realization of vowels and consonants. He is currently investigating micro-dialectal variations in the gradience and categorical inhibition of spirantisation of the voiced stops /b, d, g/ as they occur in different prosodic positions.

Dr Marc Olivier works at the intersection of formal syntax and historical linguistics. His research focuses on medieval Romance languages, Old French and Old Occitan in particular, and his publications on clitic placement and the structure of infinitival clauses and restructuring are recognised as an important contribution to the field.

Completed Projects

Recently completed projects in Romance linguistics include:  Autonomous Morphology in Diachrony: comparative evidence from Romance languages ,  The Romance noun: a comparative-historical study of plural formation , and  ISTROX: the Istro-Romanian Language and the Oxford University Hurren Donation .

Early Germanic Languages

Dr Howard Jones works primarily on the early Germanic languages. His recent work includes papers on the passive in Old English, on grammatical mood in the Old English Bede, and on lexical choice in Luther’s Bible translations. Current projects include The Oxford Guide to Old High German and Old Saxon (with Luise Morawetz and William Thurlwell) to be published by OUP,  a study of grammatical mood across the early Germanic languages, and a functional account of the perfect in Homer (these last with Morgan Macleod).

Middle Dutch

Our knowledge of the linguistic systems of early Germanic comes from manuscripts. For Middle Dutch, quite a few literary manuscripts have been handed down and most of them were made available in excellent diplomatic editions, especially in the series Middeleeuwse verzamelhandschriften uit de Nederlanden. One major manuscript, not represented in this series, has recently been edited diplomatically for the first time. This is Ms.Marshall 29 located in the Bodleian Library in Oxford and dating back to around 1375. The online edition is now available from the project website . The project was undertaken by Professor Aditi Lahiri  (PI) and  Dr Johanneke Sytsema , funded by the AHRC (grant AH/I003754/1).

German and Yiddish syntax

Dr Kerstin Hoge ’s research interests are in the field of German and Yiddish linguistics, with particular focus on syntactic theory and the study of wh -movement and small-clause constructions. Further ongoing research interests are Yiddish children’s writing and the question as to how language is used in the construction of social and personal identity.

Professor David Willis works on morphosyntactic variation and change using corpora of Celtic languages, especially Welsh and Breton. As part of his research project ‘The history of pronominal subjects in the languages of northern Europe’, he is collaborating with researchers at Humboldt University Berlin to compare patterns of change in subject pronouns in Celtic and Slavonic languages and in the history of English. Dr Mark Darling , researcher on that project, has research interests in early Celtic verbal morphology and Irish-language corpora.

Dr Hanne Eckhoff  is a historical corpus linguist who has worked extensively on building diachronic text corpora (treebanks) for early East and South Slavonic, including Old Church Slavonic and Middle Russian, within a wider initiative to build such resources for early attestations of the major Indo-European branches. Her research centres on the history of verbal aspect, case and definiteness marking in East and South Slavonic, with an emphasis on comparison of Old Church Slavonic with Greek. She also works on methodological and computational topics related to corpus building. 

Dr Jan Fellerer researches the history of Polish, Czech and Ukrainian with special reference to the modern period from the late 18th century to the present day. His areas of interest in Slavonic linguistics include topics in lexical semantics and syntax, especially word order, argument structure, and argument realization. He also works on language contact, urban dialects, and multilingualism in historical L’viv and Łódź. Dr Fellerer is currently editing, together with Prof Neil Bermel, the volume on the Slavonic Languages for the Oxford University Press series Guides to the World’s Languages .

Dr Mary MacRobert  (emerita) works on the delimitation and interaction of various Slavonic vernaculars and the medieval literary language, Church Slavonic.  Her research ranges from the origins of Old Church Slavonic and evidence for prosodic and morphosyntactic developments (e.g. in clitic use, word division, tense distinctions, mood and verbal aspect), to medieval translation technique, the principles and practice of textual criticism in application to Church Slavonic material, the palaeography of Cyrillic and Glagolitic manuscripts, and Church Slavonic hymnographical traditions.

Language Documentation and Description

Several members of the faculty undertake research to document and describe endangered languages, including Professor Mary Dalrymple , Professor Miriam Meyerhoff , Dr Sarah Ogilvie , Dr Holly Kennard , Dr Gede Primahadi Wijaya Rajeg , Dr Charlotte Hemmings , and Dr Jose Elias-Ulloa .

Professor Mary Dalrymple is currently leading two projects to document and describe the Enggano language, spoken off the south coast of Sumatra, Indonesia.  

The AHRC funded project ‘ Enggano in the Austronesian family: Historical and typological perspectives ’ (with Dr Charlotte Hemmings ) seeks to document Enggano via the collection and archiving of a corpus of audio and video recordings with rich metadata. Using the corpus, the project aims to produce a descriptive grammar of the language and assess the typological and historical position of Enggano within the Austronesian family, which has long remained puzzling to linguists.  

The follow-on AHRC funded project, ‘ Lexical resources for Enggano, a threatened language of Indonesia ’ (with Dr Sarah Ogilvie and Dr Gede Primahadi Wijaya Rajeg ) will involve in-depth research into historical and contemporary lexical resources on Enggano. The project will result in a lexical database that unifies all the available materials, as well as a learner’s dictionary and mobile phone app for Enggano.  

More information on both projects, as well as links to language resources, can be found on the  project website . 

Northern Sarawak

Between 2016-2019, Dr Charlotte Hemmings led the research project ‘ Information Structure in the languages of Northern Sarawak’  which was funded by an Early Career Fellowship from the Leverhulme Trust. The project involved documentation and description of the Kelabit, Sa’ban and Lun Bawang languages of Northern Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo. It also explored the role of information structure in determining syntactic choices in the three languages, such as the choice of voice, word order and case-marking patterns. Dr Hemmings is writing a monograph based on the findings of this project. 

Audio and video materials collected during the project are archived with the Endangered Languages Archive (ELAR):  Kelabit ;  Sa’ban  and  Lun Bawang . A selection of folk stories and descriptions of cultural practices are available as subtitled videos on the  project website . 

Nkep and Bislama

Professor Miriam Meyerhoff is a sociolinguist, specialising in studies of variation and change in naturally occurring speech. Since 2011, she has been working with members of the community of Hog Harbour (Vüthiev) in Northeast Santo, Vanuatu on the documentation of their language Nkep. This has involved looking at synchronic variation in order to try and shed light on the typological distinctiveness of Nkep, as well as the production of materials for community use – an oral history video, books for early readers, a trilingual wordfinder list (Nkep-Bislama-English). Miriam mainly works on nouns and pronouns, with forays into the VP to consider subject-verb agreement. 

Bislama (the national language of Vanuatu) has been central to Miriam’s linguistics research for nearly 30 years. She’s written quite a lot about variation in pronoun/NP absence in Bislama, and is currently working with Carol Aru (National Cultural Centre, Vanuatu), Manfred Krifka and Tonjes Veenstra (Leibniz Zentrum Allegemeine Sprachwissenschaft, Berlin) on a new set of variables (more NPs, some grammaticalisation in the VP) in a corpus of spoken Bislama that the project team have been collecting since early 2020. 

Phonetic and Phonological Documentation of Amerindian Languages

Dr Jose Elias-Ulloa  combines his expertise in phonetics and phonology to document indigenous languages spoken in the Americas. He has conducted fieldwork in the Amazonian region of Peru and has extensively published articles documenting different aspects of the phonology and phonetics of languages like Shipibo-Konibo, Capanahua, Urarina, Quechua, Arabela, Boruca, etc. In 2011, he published the first acoustic documentation of a Peruvian Amazonian language, Shipibo-Konibo. Dr Elias-Ulloa is currently working on two documentation projects:

The documentation of the intonational system of Shipibo-Konibo. This project seeks to identify the main pitch accents and boundary tones in Shipibo-Konibo (Pano) as well as their distribution in different syntactic and information structures. 

The tonal patterns of Urarina. The Urarina language is an OVS language isolate in which nouns belong to different tonal paradigms. In isolation and as subjects of sentences, nouns surface with a high tone on their final syllable; however, when they occur as direct objects of a verb, their tones occur on the adjacent verb. Similar phenomena are observed in other syntactic Complement-Head configurations. The main goal of this project is to document and analyse the phonetic and phonological aspects of that phenomenon and its dialectal variations. 

Mapping Endangered Languages and Dictionaries

Dr Sarah Ogilvie is currently leading a digital project on Mapping Endangered languages and Dictionaries drawing on her previous experience with endangered languages in Australia (Morrobalama) and North America (Mutsun). She co-edited the book is Keeping Languages Alive: Documentation, Pedagogy, and Revitalization with Mari Jones.

Dr. Daniel Altshuler has documented the phonetic and phonological properties of stress and tone in Osage, a Siouan language spoken by the Osage people of Oklahoma. A remarkable property of this language is that is features quantity sensitive iambs, which have been thought to be impossible. In the near future, Dr. Altshuler plans on investigating the Osage script, which was developed in 2006 and revised more recently, as parts of the efforts to revitalize the language.

Dr Holly Kennard ’s research focuses on Breton, an endangered language spoken in Brittany. She held a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship from January 2016 to December 2018 during which she led the project ‘Metrical structure, gender and mutation: two generations of Breton speakers under influence from French’. This project investigated the morphophonology of Breton in both traditional, older speakers and younger ‘new’ speakers, that is, speakers who have acquired the language by means other than intergenerational transmission. As well as adding to the documentation of the traditional dialects of southwest Brittany, the project explored the extent to which new speakers’ Breton differs from traditional varieties, and in what ways younger speakers ‘sound different’ from older speakers. She is now starting a new pilot project, ‘Intonation in Breton’, supported by the John Fell Fund, to begin an analysis of intonational patterns in Breton.

Corpus Linguistics

Martin Wynne  is Senior Researcher in Corpus Linguistics and Principal Investigator on the AHRC-funded Infrastructure for Digital Arts and Humanities project, which is building a national repository service for digital literary and linguistic resources. The Literary and Linguistic Data Service  is the new home for the Oxford Text Archive collections, and builds on more than 40 years of experience in curating digital language resources at the University of Oxford. The repository is also a node in the CLARIN  European Research Infrastructure Consortium, and Martin is the National Coordinator for CLARIN-UK .

The Phonetics Laboratory is also home to a number of digital audio resources, and conducts research on large-scale corpora of spoken language, including BNC Audio ( http://www.phon.ox.ac.uk/AudioBNC ).

Hanne Eckhoff  is a historical corpus linguist who is building diachronic text corpora (treebanks) for Russian and Church Slavonic, within a wider initiative to build such resources for early attestations of the major Indo-European branches, and also publishes on methodological and computational topics related to my practical corpus building work.

Other Linguistics Research at Oxford

Linguistics research is undertaken in a number of other Departments at Oxford, often in collaboration with members of our Faculty. Please see the relevant departmental websites for further information:

Applied linguistics (Department of Education).

Computational linguistics (Computing Laboratory).

Middle Eastern and Asian languages ( Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies ).

Modern European languages ( Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages ).

Old English and other old Germanic languages ( Faculty of English Language & Literature ).

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Course Catalog and Topics

Uw course catalog.

The UW Course Catalog , part of the Student Guide , lists all courses potentially taught by the department. Not every course in the catalog is available every quarter. To see scheduled courses, see Current & Upcoming .

The Department of Linguistics teaches courses in these three curricula:

  • Linguistics (LING)
  • Spanish Linguistics (SPLING)
  • American Sign Language (ASL)

Undergraduate Courses in Linguistics and Related Fields Course Topics

with Content Related to Linguistics

Introductory Linguistics

The Linguistics department offers several survey courses that provide a broad introduction to the field of linguistics. For more information on choosing an introductory linguistics course, see the Introductory Classes page .

  • LING 200 Introduction to Linguistic Thought (5) I&S/VLPA, QSR
  • LING 203/ANTH 203 Introduction to Anthropological Linguistics (5) I&S/VLPA
  • LING 400 Survey of Linguistic Method and Theory (5) I&S/VLPA, QSR

The Linguistics department also offers introductory-level courses in specific areas of linguistics. Note that these courses may not count towards the linguistics majors or minor; see the Elective Requirement page .

  • LING 100 Fundamentals of Grammar (5) VLPA
  • LING 101 Fundamentals of Pronunciation for Language Learners (5) VLPA
  • LING/GERMAN 220 Origins of the Germanic Languages (5) VLPA
  • LING/ANTH/COM 233 Introduction to Language and Society (5) VLPA
  • LING 234 Language and Diversity (5) I&S

In addition, introductory linguistics courses are offered by a number of other departments. Prerequisites may apply, and some departments normally restrict courses to majors; contact department advisors for information.

  • ASIAN 401 Introduction to Asian Linguistics (5) VLPA
  • ENGL 370 English Language Study (5) VLPA
  • GERMAN 451 Linguistic Analysis of German (5) VLPA
  • JAPAN 440 Introduction to Japanese Linguistics (5) VLPA
  • SPAN 323 Introduction to Spanish Linguistics (5) VLPA
  • SPHSC 303 Language Science (3) VLPA

Animal Communication

Check the Psychology department listings in the Course Catalog for a variety of courses on animal communication and animal behavior. Prerequisites may apply, and some PSYCH courses are normally open only to PSYCH majors; contact PSYCH advising for information. Of particular interest:

  • PSYCH 416 Animal Communication (5) NW

Anthropological Linguistics

LING/ANTH 203 Introduction to Anthropological Linguistics (5) I&S/VLPA Linguistic methods, theories used within anthropology. Basic structural features of language; human language and animal communication compared; evidence for the innate nature of language. Language and culture: linguistic relativism, ethnography of communication, sociolinguistics. Language and nationalism, language politics in the U.S. and elsewhere.

LING/ANTH/COM 233 Introduction to Language and Society (5) VLPA Provides an introduction to the study of language through culture and society, and raises and awareness of the role that society and the individual play in shaping language via the systematic observation and critical discussion of linguistic phenomena.

Check the Anthropology and Communication department listings in the Course Catalog for a variety of courses on language and communication in social and anthropological context. Prerequisites may apply, and some ANTH and COM courses are normally open only to ANTH or COM majors; contact ANTH or COM advising for information. Of particular interest:

ANTH 358 Culture and Cognition (5) I&S/NW Surveys anthropological theories and research on the relationship between language, thought, and behavior. Examines the influence of cultural inheritance on perception, classification, inference, and choice. Describes relevant cross-cultural research methods and evaluates theoretical models used by cognitive anthropologists. Prerequisite: either ANTH 203, LING 203, or PSYCH 355.

ANTH 359 Linguistic Ethnography (5) I&S Language use in cultural contexts. How language reflects world view. Language use in culturally significant settings. Analyzes sets of culturally specific terms in semantic domains. Includes projects demonstrating application of theory and method to data addressing specific problems.

COM 478 Intercultural Communication (5) I&S Investigates intercultural communication theory and its application for varying levels of human interaction: interpersonal, intergroup, and international.

COM 484 Cultural Codes in Communication (5) I&S/VLPA Social and cultural codes in interpersonal communication, with special reference to contemporary American subcultural groups and their communication patterns.

LING/ANTH 464 Language Politics and Cultural Identity (3) I&S/VLPA Theories and case studies of the power of language and how it is manipulated. Multilingualism, diglossia. Role of language and linguistics in nationalism. Standardization, educational policy, language and ethnicity. World languages, language death and revival. Prerequisite: either LING 200, LING 201, ANTH/LING 203, or LING 400.

Other courses which might be of related interest are:

  • AES 151 Introduction to the Cultures of American Ethnic Groups (5) I&S
  • AIS 201 Introduction: Ethnohistory of Native North America (5) I&S
  • AIS 270 Native Peoples of the Pacific Northwest (5) I&S
  • AIS 317 North American Indians: The Southwest (5) I&S
  • COM 321 Communications in International Relations (5) I&S
  • COM 425 European Media Systems (5) I&S
  • COM 426 International Media Images (5) I&S
  • SLAV 425 Ways of Meaning: Universal and Culture Specific Aspects of Language (5) I&S/VLPA
  • SLAV 426 Ways of Feeling: Expressions of Emotions Across Languages and Cultures (5) I&S/VLPA

Applied Linguistics: Language Teaching

EDC&I 453 Teaching the Bilingual-Bicultural Student (3) I&S Educational needs of bilingual students: research findings, special programs, materials, and methodologies that bilingual-bicultural education can provide to meet those needs. Cultural combinations of bilingual populations in American culture; historical, social, and linguistic factors affecting their K-12 education.

SPLING/SPAN 406 Advanced Spanish Grammar (5) VLPA Problems of Spanish grammar. Differences from English grammar. Techniques for the effective teaching of Spanish. Prerequisites: either SPAN 303, SPAN 316 or 330; SPAN 323.

Applied Linguistics: Translation

SPAN 408 Spanish Translation Workshop (5) VLPA Intensive practice in translation to and from Spanish. Texts include literary prose, poetry, expository writing, newspaper and magazine articles. Problems of standard versus colloquial language, transposition of cultural references, concept of fidelity in translation. Prerequisites: either SPAN 303, SPAN 316, or SPAN 330; SPAN 323; recommended: SPAN 406.  

FRENCH 472 French-English/English-French Translation (5) VLPA Intense practice of translation from English into French and from French into English. Translation issues specific to French and English syntactic, semantic, and grammatical differences with emphasis on the naturalness of the target language and the accuracy of the translation of the source language. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: FRENCH 303; either FRENCH 304, FRENCH 305, FRENCH 306, or FRENCH 307.

Computational Linguistics

In addition to the undergraduate-level courses in computational linguistics listed below, the linguistics department's graduate-level courses are open to qualified undergraduates with permission of the instructor.

LING 471 Computational Methods for Linguists (5) QSR Overview of methods for working with linguistic data in electronic form: electronic corpora, linguistic software tools, textual data formats, operating system fundamentals, and basic programming. Prerequisite: either LING 450 or LING 461.

LING/CSE 472 Introduction to Computational Linguistics (5) NW/VLPA Introduction to computational approaches to modeling language, for linguistic research and practical applications, including analyses at different levels of linguistic structure and symbolic as well as statistical approaches. Prerequisites: either LING 200 or LING 400; either LING 461 or CSE 321. Offered: jointly with CSE 472.

LING 473 Basics for Computational Linguistics (3) Examines computer applications involving automatic processing of natural language speech or text by machines. Intended as preparation for CLMA core courses. Includes concepts form probability and statistics; formal grammars and languages; finite-state automata and transducers; review of algorithms and data structures; and software for using parallel server cluster. Prerequisites: CSE 326; STAT 391; programming in Perl, C, C++, Java, or Python. Offered: S.

Check the Computer Science and Engineering listings in the Course Catalog for other relevant courses. Prerequisites may apply, and some CSE courses are normally open only to CSE majors; contact CSE advising for information. Of particular interest:

  • CSE 142 Computer Programming for Engineers and Scientists I (4) NW, QSR
  • CSE 143 Computer Programming for Engineers and Scientists II (5) NW, QSR
  • CSE 373 Data Structures and Algorithms (3)
  • CSE 415 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (3) NW

LING 100 Fundamentals of Grammar (5) VLPA Introduction to basic grammatical concepts and terminology. Specifically intended for students planning to take a foreign language or linguistics. Does not count toward the linguistics major or minor.

Historical Linguistics

General historical linguistics.

LING 454 Methods in Comparative Linguistics (5) VLPA Aldridge, Handel Method and theory of historical and comparative linguistics. Problems of phonological, morphological, syntactic, and semantic change and reconstruction. Prerequisite: either LING 200, LING 201, ANTH/LING 203, or LING 400.

Language Family-Specific Historical Linguistics

ROLING 402 Historical Romance Linguistics (5) VLPA Klausenburger Comparative historical survey of the development of the principal Romance tongues. Prerequisite: LING 400. (UW also offers Latin.)

Scandinavian

SCAND 460 History of the Scandinavian Languages (5) VLPA Development of languages from common Scandinavian to contemporary Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Faroese, and Icelandic. Recommended: DANISH 203, FINN 203, NORW 203, or SWED 203.

SLAV 351 History of the Slavic Languages (5) VLPA External and internal history of Slavic literary languages from the beginnings to the present time, including the development of writing systems, external attempts at reform, and the development of vocabulary. Prerequisite: LING 200.

Language-Specific Historical Linguistics

ENGL 373 History of the English Language (5) VLPA Evolution of English sounds, forms, structures, and word meanings from Anglo-Saxon times to the present. Prerequisite: either ENGL 370 or LING 200.

FRENCH 404 Old French (5) VLPA Designed for acquisition of reading facility in Old French through intensive study of selected texts. (UW also offers Latin.)

(UW offers Classical Greek.)

(UW offers Sanskrit.)

Italian and other Romance Languages

(UW offers Latin.)

LING 415/GERMAN 452 History of the German Language (5) VLPA Traces the history of the German language from early Germanic to the present. Recommended: LING 200 and GERMAN 203. Offered: jointly with LING 415.

JAPAN 405 History of the Japanese Language (5) VLPA Introduction to the history of the Japanese language, including phonology, morphology, syntax, and the writing system. Prerequisite: JAPAN 313. Recommended: JAPAN 440, JAPAN 471.

JAPAN 471 Introduction to Classical Japanese (5) VLPA Introduction to classical Japanese writing system, grammar, and vocabulary. Prerequisite: minimum grade of 2.5 in either JAPAN 313 or JAPAN 334; may not be repeated. Offered: A.

SPLING/SPAN 403 The Evolution of the Spanish Language (5) VLPA Historical survey of Spanish phonology, morphology, and syntax, from Latin origins to the modern language. Prerequisites: either SPAN 301 or SPAN 314; either ANTH 203, LING 200, LING 201, LING 203, LING 400, or SPAN 323. Offered: jointly with SPAN 403. (UW also offers Latin.)

History of Linguistics

LING 402 Survey of the History of Linguistics (3) VLPA/I&S Main trends in linguistic theory and philosophy of linguistics from ancient times through advent of transformational-generative grammar. Includes nineteenth-century comparative and historical grammar, Prague school grammar, American structuralist grammar, major concerns of linguistics today. Prerequisite: LING 451.

Language Contact

LING 430/ANTH 439 Pidgin and Creole Languages (5) VLPA/I&S Explores aspects of the linguistic structure, history, and social context of pidgin and creole languages. Creolization as one possible outcome of language contact. Examines theories of creole genesis, similarities and differences between creole and non-creole languages. Prerequisite: either ANTH 203, LING 200, LING 201, LING 203, or LING 400. Offered: jointly with ANTH 439.

Language Policy

ENGL 478 Language and Social Policy (5) I&S/VLPA Examines the relationship between language policy and social organization; the impact of language policy on immigration, education, and access to resources and political institutions; language policy and revolutionary change; language rights.

ENGL 479 Language Variation and Language Policy in North America (5) I&S/VLPA Surveys basic issues of language variation: phonological, syntactic, semantic, and narrative/discourse differences among speech communities of North American English; examines how language policy can affect access to education, the labor force, and political institutions.

Language Variation

LING/ANTH 432 Sociolinguistics I (5) I&S/VLPA Social variation in the phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicon of languages and dialects. Nonstandard language, diglossia, pidgins and creoles, gender differences, bi- and multilingualism, ethnography of speaking, pragmatics, and language attitudes. Prerequisite: either LING 200 or LING 400; recommended: prior or concurrent registration in LING 450. Offered: jointly with ANTH 432.

LING/ANTH 433 Sociolinguistics II (5) I&S/VLPA Examines field methods linguists use in socially oriented studies of language variation and change. Includes language attitudes, study of urban dialects, syntactic variation, sampling and interview design. Discussion of issues related to recording, ethics, and analysis of large bodies of data. Prerequisite: LING 432. Offered: jointly with ANTH 433.

Language-Specific Variation

ENGL 372 World Englishes (5) VLPA Examines emerging World/New Englishes, and variants of English employed as a second language in former colonies of the United Kingdom and United States. Explores issues of standardization and the standard in a global perspective. Prerequisite: ENGL 370, LING 200, or LING 400.

Topics in Japanese Sociolinguistics (5) I&S/VLPA Methodology and theory of sociolinguistic analysis. Reading of research literature and training in analysis of Japanese language data. Prerequisites: JAPAN 312; either JAPAN 343 or JAPAN 440, either of which may be taken concurrently.

General Morphology

LING 481 Introduction to Morphology (5) VLPA Structure of words and the processes by which they are formed. Morphological processes in a wide variety of languages.

Prerequisites: LING 451.

Language-Specific Morphology

HINDI 404 Derivational Morphology of Hindi/Urdu (3) VLPA Shapiro A systematic introduction to the derivational morphology of Hindi/Urdu. Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, and English elements in Hindi/Urdu. Treatment of derivational prefixes and suffixes, stem alternations, and methods of compound formation. Prerequisite: HINDI 323.

Philosophical Aspects of Linguistics

PHIL 464 Philosophical Issues in the Cognitive Sciences (5) I&S/NW Philosophical problems connected with research in psychology, artificial intelligence, and other cognitive sciences. Topics vary. Readings from both philosophical and scientific literature. Accessible to nonphilosophers with suitable interests and backgrounds.

General Phonetics

LING 450 Introduction to Linguistic Phonetics (5) VLPA/NW Introduction to the articulatory and acoustic correlates of phonological features. Issues covered include the mapping of dynamic events to static representations, phonetic evidence for phonological description, universal constraints on phonological structure, and implications of psychological speech-sound categorization for phonological theory. Prerequisite: either LING 200 or 400.

LING 453 Experimental Phonetics (5) I&S/NW/VLPA Examines phonetic and phonological aspects of spoken language using experimental methods. Focuses on acoustic phonetics and speech perception. Significant time devoted to experimental design and hands-on data analysis techniques. Prerequisite: LING 451.

SPHSC 302 Phonetics (3) VLPA Introduction to the description and classification of speech sounds with a focus on American English. Phonetic analysis of segmental and suprasegmental properties of speech. Practice using the International Phonetic Alphabet to transcribe normal and disordered speech patterns. Prerequisite: either SPHSC 303, LING 200, or LING 400. Offered: W.

Articulatory Phonetics

SPHSC 320 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech (5) NW Anatomy and physiology of the speech and swallowing mechanism, including the respiratory, phonatory, and resonatory systems and the neural control. Examples and laboratory work are directed toward clinical issues in speech-language pathology.

Offered: Sp.

Acoustic Phonetics

SPHSC 261 The Nature of Sound (4) NW Fundamental principles of sound and vibration with emphasis on examples relevant to the speech and hearing systems. Recommended: MATH 120; PHYS 114. Offered: W,S.

PHYS 116 General Physics (4) NW, QSR Basic principles of physics presented without use of calculus. Suitable for students majoring in technically oriented fields other than engineering or the physical sciences. Sound, light, and modern physics. Credit is not given for both PHYS 116 and PHYS 123. Prerequisite: PHYS 115 or PHYS 122. Recommended: concurrent registration in PHYS 119. Offered: AWSpS.

Auditory Phonetics

SPHSC 461 Introduction to Hearing Science (5) NW Basic aspects of hearing and the ear and auditory nervous system. How the auditory system constructs an image of the acoustic environment. How attention and memory influence hearing. Effects of damage to the auditory system. Prerequisite: either SPHSC 261 or PSYCH 333. Offered: Sp.

SPHSC 462 Hearing Development (3) NW Description of the changes that occur in human hearing during development. Consideration of the possible explanations for early immaturity. Prerequisite: SPHSC 461. Offered: A, even years.

General Phonology

LING 451, 452 Phonology I, II (5, 5) VLPA/I&S Hargus, Kaisse Speech sounds, mechanism of their production, and structuring of sounds in languages; generative view of phonology; autosegmental and metrical phonology. LING 451 Prerequisite: LING 450. LING 452 Prerequisite: LING 451.

Language-Specific Phonology

LING 446 English Phonology(3) VLPA Hargus Descriptively oriented approach to of English phonology and phonetics; dialect differences. Prerequisite: LING 450.

SPHSC 308 Social-Cultural Aspects of Communication (3) I&S Introduction to human communication in context. Exploration of ways communication is influenced by context, including situational, social/interpersonal, and cultural variables. Studies systems and cultural practices as they influence communication. Offered: WS.

Psycholinguistics

General psycholinguistics.

LING/PSYCH 447 Psychology of Language (4) VLPA/I&S Osterhout Introduction to the study of language, including language structure, speech perception, language acquisition, psychological processes underlying comprehension and production of language, the relation between brain and language, and the question of the species-specificity of human language. Prerequisite: 2.0 in either PSYCH 209 or either LING 200 or LING 201. Offered: jointly with PSYCH 447.

SPHSC 425 Speech, Language, Hearing, and the Brain (4) NW Addresses the neural bases of topics in speech, language, and hearing with an emphasis on the normal aspects of central nervous system anatomy, physiology, and function. Gives attention to issues relevant to understanding disordered systems and to points of contemporary debate among neuroscientists. Offered: W.

Check the Psychology listings in the Course Catalog for other relevant courses. Prerequisites may apply, and some PSYCH courses are normally open only to PSYCH majors; contact PSYCH advising for information. Of particular interest:

  • PSYCH 355 Cognitive Psychology (5) I&S
  • PSYCH 460 Cognitive Neuroscience (4) NW

Language Acquisition

JAPAN 441 The Acquisition of Japanese as a Second or Foreign Language (5) Ohta Focuses on how Japanese is acquired or learned by non-native speakers in North America and Japan. Includes study of how Japanese is learned in both naturalistic settings such as study abroad and in foreign language classrooms. Prerequisite: either JAPAN 312, which may be taken concurrently, or JAPAN 334.

LING 449 Second-Language Learning (5) VLPA Herschensohn Issues related to the linguistic aspects of second-language learning. Prerequisite: either LING 200, LING 201, ANTH/LING 203, or LING 400.

PSYCH 414 Cognitive Development (5) I&S Key theoretical and research approaches to cognitive development from infancy through adolescence. Sensorimotor development, language development, imitation, number concepts, logical reasoning, memory, cognition in adolescents, intelligence, and the role of biology, environment, and experience. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: either 2.0 in PSYCH 306, or 2.0 in both PSYCH 206 and PSYCH 209.

SPHSC 304 Developmental Aspects of Communication (5) I&S Patterns of communicative development in English speaking children and adolescents. Introduction to the study of language and communication from a developmental perspective. Application to children with various types of communication impairments. Prerequisites: either SPHSC 303, ANTH 203, LING 200, or LING 400. Offered: Sp.

COM 480 Communication in Adolescent Environments (5) VLPA/I&S Study of the communication process in youth environments with a primary focus on formal and informal learning. Includes critical analysis of communication in contemporary instructional settings and the development of communication strategies for teaching and learning. Also of related interest to those studying language acquisition:

  • PSYCH 306 Developmental Psychology (5) I&S

Language Processing

LING 441 Language Processing and Development 1 (5) I&S/NW A. OMAKI This course explores current research on language processing and development in adult native speakers and children, with a focus on sound and world-level representations. Topics include speech perception, word recognition, acquisition of phonology and word meanings, as well as a variety of methodologies that are used to study these mechanisms. Prerequisite: LING 200 or LING 400. Offered: A.

LING 442 Language Processing and Development 2 (5) I&S Overview of research on language processing and development in adult native speakers and children, with a focus on the sentence-level representations. Topics include processing of syntactic/semantic representations, development of morpho-syntax, semantics and pragmatics, as well as variety of methodologies for studying these mechanisms.  

SPHSC 445 Models of Speech Processing (3) NW Examines models and basic issues concerning how spoken language is processed. Presents current issues, theories, and research relative to the levels of processing entailed in producing and comprehending speech. Prerequisites: SPHSC 302, 303, 320, and 425. Offered: SpS.

LING 442 Semantics I (5) VLPA/NW Ogihara Introduction to the study of meaning as part of linguistic theory. Relation of semantics to syntax. Emphasis on formal semantics and pragmatics. Discussion of various semantic phenomena in natural language that are theoretically relevant. Prerequisite: LING 461.

LING/PHIL 479 Semantics II (3) VLPA/I&S/NW Ogihara Formal characterization of linguistic meaning. Emphasis on nature and purpose of formal semantics and on its relation to formal syntax. Prerequisite: LING 442. Offered: jointly with PHIL 479.

PHIL 120 Introduction to Logic (5) I&S/NW, QSR Elementary symbolic logic. The development, application, and theoretical properties of an artificial symbolic language designed to provide a clear representation of the logical structure of deductive arguments. Offered: AWSpS.

LING 476 Philosophy of Language (5) VLPA/I&S Current theories of meaning, reference, predication, and related concepts. Recommended: PHIL 120. Offered: jointly with PHIL 453.

Also of related interest to those studying semantics (or pragmatics):

  • PHIL 363 Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind (5) I&S
  • PHIL 463 Philosophy of Mind (5) I&S
  • PHIL 470 Intermediate Logic (5) I&S/NW, QSR
  • PHIL 471 Advanced Logic (5) I&S/NW
  • PHIL 472 Axiomatic Set Theory (5) I&S/NW
  • PHIL 474 Modal Logic (5) I&S/NW

Speech Disorders

SPHSC 250 Human Communication and Its Disorders (5) I&S/NW Overview of normal and impaired human communication, including speech, language, and hearing disorders. Offered: WS.

SPHSC 305 Speech and Language Disorders (5) NW Etiology and nature of developmental and acquired communication disorders across the lifespan. Behavioral characteristics of language delay and disorders, developmental apraxia of speech, phonological disorders, stuttering, acquired aphasia, apraxia of speech and dysarthria, craniofacial anomalies, and voice disorders. Prerequisite: SPHSC 302; SPHSC 304; SPHSC 320. Offered: A.

SPHSC 405 Diagnosis of Speech and Language Disorders (3) NW Principles and procedures for the diagnosis of speech and language disorders. Prerequisite: SPHSC 305. Offered: W.

SPHSC 406 Treatment of Speech and Language Disorders (4) NW Principles and procedures for planning, implementing, and evaluating treatment for speech and language disorders. Prerequisite: SPHSC 405. Offered: SpS.

General Syntax

LING 461, 462 Syntax I, II (5, 5) VLPA/I&S Zagona, Citko, Aldridge Study of the structural properties of language; introduction to generative transformational syntax. LING 461 Prerequisite: either LING 200 or LING 400. LING 462 Prerequisite: either LING 461.

Language-Specific Syntax

CHIN 443 Structure of Chinese (5) VLPA Outline of the major grammatical structures of Chinese. Focus on learning and teaching problems. Prerequisite: CHIN 413.

ENGL 371 English Syntax (5) VLPA Description of sentence, phrase, and word structures in present-day English. Prerequisite: ENGL 370, LING 200 or LING 400.

Visual Languages

American sign language.

ASL 305 Deaf Studies (3) I&S Introduces the language, culture, and community of Deaf people. Covers topics in Deaf history, education, sociology, language, legal issues, art and literature, organizations and services for the Deaf, technological devices, and the nature of Deafhood. Analyzes issues such as methods of Deaf education, biomedical ethics, and the social movements in Deaf community.

LING 403 Structure of American Sign Language (5) VLPA Introduction to the phonological, morphological, and syntactic structure of American Sign Language. Topics include acquisition, sociolinguisitics, neurolinguisitics, lexicography, history, and culture. Knowledge of American Sign Language is not required. Prerequisite: LING 200, 201, 203, or 400.

Of possible interest to students of a visual language is:

COM 376 Nonverbal Communication (5) VLPA/I&S Reviews the nature of nonverbal communication as part of the human message system. Discusses research on the types of cues that are part of the nonverbal system, reviews some communicative functions allowed by nonverbal cues (e.g., emotional expressions, relational messages, deception, coordination, or interaction), and ties nonverbal communication to language.

In addition, UW offers: SPHSC 481 Management of Hearing Loss (4) NW Introduction to methods of communicative rehabilitation of person with hearing loss. Remediation principles of auditory and visual perception, amplification, communication strategies, and information counseling. Prerequisite: SPHSC 471; may not be repeated. Offered: WSp.

Writing Systems

Language family-specific writing systems.

ASIAN 404 Writing Systems (3) VLPA Origin, nature, and development of writing systems. Alphabets, syllabaries, and logographic systems; relation of writing systems to spoken languages; decipherment of previously undeciphered scripts.

Other Courses with Linguistic Content or Content Related to Linguistics

LING 480 Topics in Linguistics (3, max. 12) VLPA Introduction to an area of linguistic study not covered by the regular departmental course offerings.

LING/COM 470 Discourse: Analyzing Talk and Texts (5) I&S/VLPA A critical and practical introduction to contemporary theories/methods in discourse analysis: how verbal communication (together with visual communication) is used in conversational talk and mediztized texts to construct identities and relationships; and how power and ideology are reproduced through these everyday social interactions. Offered: jointly with COM 470.

SLAV 210 Introduction to Bilingualism (5) VLPA/I&S Provides a multidisciplinary examination of bilingualism as a societal and individual phenomenon. Considers language versus dialect, diglossia, state language policies, language rights, indigenous languages, and linguistic minorities. Explores bilingualism and biculturalism as human experience and as indexes of identity. Includes a fieldwork project focused on linguistic diversity in the Pacific Northwest. Offered: W.

Language Family-Specific

ASIAN 405 Advanced Problems in Asian Linguistics (3) VLPA Advanced problems in the analysis of the languages of east, southeast, south, and central Asia. Includes phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicography, historical reconstruction, linguistic typology, and comparative grammar. Prerequisite: ASIAN 401.

ASIAN 498 Special Topics (1-5, max. 15) VLPA Offered occasionally by permanent or visiting faculty members. Topics vary, but may include topics of linguistic interest. Offered: AWSp.

SLAV 470 Special Topics in Slavic Linguistics (3-5, max. 15) VLPA Special topics in Slavic linguistics. Course offerings based on instructor's specialty and student demand.

Language-Specific

ARAB 457 Arabic Grammatical Texts (3) VLPA Introduction to concepts and terminology of Arabic grammar and lexicography through readings from scholars such as Sibawayh, Ibn Aqil, and Ibn Manzur. Prerequisites: ARAB 423.

CHIN 342 The Chinese Language (5) VLPA Nature and structure of the Chinese language, covering structural characteristics, genetic and typological affiliation, standard Mandarin and Chinese dialects, Chinese writing system, history of the Chinese language, and cultural aspects. Prerequisite: either CHIN 103, CHIN 113, or CHIN 134; recommended: either CHIN 201, CHIN 211, or CHIN 234.

GERMAN 496 History of Germanic Philology (5) VLPA Introduction to the works of outstanding scholars in the field of Germanics.

GERMAN 498 Studies in the German Language (1-6, max. 15)

JAPAN 342 The Japanese Language (5) VLPA Survey of the nature and structure of the Japanese language, covering genetic and typological affiliations, writing systems, lexicon, and features of Japanese sentence structures. Prerequisite: either JAPAN 311 or JAPAN 334, which may be taken concurrently.

JAPAN 343 Japanese Language in Society (5) VLPA/I&S Survey of issues in Japanese language use. Areas covered include dialectical variation, language attitudes, gender differences, and pragmatics. Prerequisite: either JAPAN 311 or JAPAN 334, which may be taken concurrently.

Latin & Greek

CLAS 101 Latin and Greek in Current Use (2) VLPA Designed to improve and increase English vocabulary through a study of the Latin and Greek elements in English, with emphasis on words in current literary and scientific use. No auditors. Knowledge of Latin or Greek is not required. Credit/no credit only. Offered: AWSpS.

RUSS 451 Structure of Russian (5) VLPA Descriptive analysis of contemporary standard Russian. Detailed phonetic transcription, discussion of major Great Russian dialects as well as variations in popular speech, examination of common roots and productive derivational elements in Russian words, and elementary principles of syntax. Prerequisites: either RUSS 303 or RUSS 350; LING 200. Offered: W.

SPLING/SPAN 404 Dialects of World Spanish (5) Introduction to dialectical variants of Spanish. Considers standardization and the real academia; variation and change; pragmatics and politeness; Spanish in contact; sound, word formation, and grammar variation. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisites: either SPAN 301 or SPAN 314; either SPAN 323, LING 200, or LING 400. Offered: jointly with SPAN 404.

SPLING/SPAN 406 Advanced Spanish Grammar (5) VLPA Problems of Spanish grammar. Differences from English grammar. Techniques for the effective teaching of Spanish. Prerequisites: either SPAN 303, SPAN 316 or 330; SPAN 323. Offered: jointly with SPAN 406.

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Postdoc Position (m/f/d) | ERC Synergy Grant Project QUANTA

Job Code: LH-04-2024

The Department of Linguistic and Cultural Evolution (DLCE) at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MI-EVA) in Leipzig invites applications for a two-year Postdoc, associated with the project "Evolution of Cognitive Tools for Quantification (QUANTA)", funded by the European Research Council with a Synergy Grant to Andrea Bender (UiB), Francesco d’Errico (CNRS Bordeaux), Russell Gray (MPI for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig), and Rafael Núñez (ETH).

About MPI-EVA

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology unites scientists with various backgrounds (natural sciences and humanities) whose aim is to investigate the history of humankind from an interdisciplinary perspective with the help of comparative analyses of genes, cultures, cognitive abilities, languages and social systems of past and present human populations as well as those of primates closely related to human beings.

The Department of Linguistic and Cultural Evolution aims to answer big picture questions about human history. Our focus is on describing and explaining the major patterns of linguistic and cultural variation across the globe. We tackle these questions by developing novel language documentation methods, global linguistic and cultural databases, and analyses using evolutionary theories and computational methods.

About QUANTA

QUANTA aims at reconstructing the origin and evolution of numeral systems: when and why they were invented, and how and why they diversified. The 6-years project started on September 1st, 2021 is an international collaborative one located at four institutions: MPI-EVA Leipzig (Germany), UiB (Norway), CNRS Bordeaux (France), and ETH (Switzerland). These engage in frequent and close collaboration and exchange, including internships for all researchers at the other institutions.

As a researcher in this project, you will have the chance to explore human prehistory, to actively assist the development of new methods for quantitative historical linguistics and typology, and to shed light on general processes in the development of numeral systems worldwide.

Possible topics include

  • The co-evolution of cognition and numeral systems
  • The co-evolution of different numeral system modalities (verbal, body-based, written, and material)
  • The evolution of complex number systems
  • The role of social and technological factors in driving the evolution of numeral systems

Selection criteria 

  • A PhD in linguistics, cognitive science, evolutionary biology, computer science, statistics, anthropology, or related field with an outstanding academic record.
  • Excellent computational skills are essential, with a detailed knowledge of Python, R, or other programming language.
  • Strong proficiency in both spoken and written English.
  • Strong analytical skills and proven self-motivation to complete independent work.
  • Strong team player qualities (you will work in an interdisciplinary and international team where communication is crucial for the success of the project).
  • Research experience in the field of numeral systems is beneficial.
  • Full-time position, starting in the fall of 2024, initially limited to 2 years.
  • Salary based on experience according to the German TVöD
  • According to German labor laws, benefits include 30 days holiday per annum plus Bank Holidays and Christmas closure days as well as an attractive pension proposition
  • An inspiring, international, interdisciplinary environment with leading domain scientists at our department and in various Max Planck Institutes and universities
  • Space, freedom, support and resources to do all the things described above

Your application

Please submit your application in English, including the following:

  • Cover letter, explaining research experience and reason for interest in this project, along with a proposed research project (max. two pages).
  • Your CV and copies of degree certificates (Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD diplomas and/or transcripts).
  • Names and contact information (including e-mail and phone) for 2-3 referees. [NB. you may compile several PDFs into one for submission]

Please apply online . Deadline for applications is August 16, 2024.

The Max Planck Society is committed to employing individuals with disabilities and especially encourages them to apply. Additionally, we seek to increase diversity of our workforce in areas where it is underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women and members of underrepresented groups to apply.

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  • Test for Fentanyl
  • if You Think Someone is Overdosing
  • Stop Overdose
  • Naloxone FAQs
  • Stigma Reduction

About Stop Overdose

  • Through preliminary research and strategic workshops, CDC identified four areas of focus to address the evolving drug overdose crisis.
  • Stop Overdose resources speak to the reality of drug use, provide practical ways to prevent overdoses, educate about the risks of illegal drug use, and show ways to get help.

Red concentric circles with text

Drugs take nearly 300 lives every day. 1 To address the increasing number of overdose deaths related to both prescription opioids and illegal drugs, we created a website to educate people who use drugs about the dangers of illegally manufactured fentanyl, the risks and consequences of mixing drugs, the lifesaving power of naloxone, and the importance of reducing stigma around recovery and treatment options. Together, we can stop drug overdoses and save lives.

What you can do

  • Get the facts on fentanyl
  • Learn about lifesaving naloxone
  • Understand the risks of polysubstance use
  • Reduce stigma around recovery and treatment

Explore and download Stop Overdose and other educational materials on CDC's Overdose Resource Exchange .

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System, Mortality 2018-2021 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released in 2023. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 2018-2021, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd-icd10-expanded.html on Mar 5, 2024

Every day, drugs claim hundreds of lives. The Stop Overdose website educates drug users on fentanyl, naloxone, polysubstance use, and dealing with stigma.

IMAGES

  1. 130+ Excellent Linguistics Research Topics and Ideas

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  2. 130+ Original Linguistics Research Topics: That Need To Know

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  3. 100+ Linguistic Topics

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  4. 100+ Linguistic Topics

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  5. 144+ Awesome Research Topics in Linguistics

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  6. 211 Interesting Research Topics in Linguistics For Your Thesis

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VIDEO

  1. Linguistics Research

  2. General linguistics Topics explained in Hindi and Urdu by English Wala

  3. Finding Linguistics Data

  4. Research vs Scientific Method in Research Methodology Lecture 12

  5. Research Methods In Linguistics

  6. Research Objectives

COMMENTS

  1. 211 Interesting Research Topics in Linguistics For Your Thesis

    Linguistics Research Paper Topics. If you want to study how language is applied and its importance in the world, you can consider these Linguistics topics for your research paper. They are: An analysis of romantic ideas and their expression amongst French people. An overview of the hate language in the course against religion.

  2. 55 Top-Rated Research Topics in Linguistics For an A+

    A critical evaluation of language and ethnicity. Analyzing language attrition among most English speakers. Distinct functions of language among different communities. Interesting Topics in ...

  3. 130+ Original Linguistics Research Topics: That Need To Know

    130+ Original Linguistics Research Topics: Ideas To Focus On. Linguistics is an exciting course to learn. Unfortunately, writing a research paper or essay or write my thesis in linguistics is not as easy. Many students struggle to find a good research topic to write about. Finding a good research topic is crucial because it is the foundation of ...

  4. PDF A Guide to Writing a Senior Thesis in Linguistics

    A linguistics thesis is an original research project undertaken during your senior year at Harvard College . You will conduct research into past literature on your topic, con- ... Tutorials are seminars led by graduate students on linguistics topics that are not covered (or not covered in depth) in introductory linguistics courses . A tutorial ...

  5. 130+ Excellent Linguistics Research Topics and Ideas

    130+ Excellent Linguistics Research Topics and Ideas. Linguistic courses are not easy to learn. It is one of the challenging subjects that focus on the systematic study of the structure and evolution of language and the ways humans use it. Moreover, the field of linguistics also covers wide areas such as syntax, semantics, phonetics, phonology ...

  6. 25+ Research Ideas in Linguistics You Can Explore as a High Schooler

    18. Language and Emotion: Identifying specific linguistic elements, such as tone, lexical choice, or syntactic structures, that influence how emotions are understood and/or expressed in communication. 19. Speech Perception and Cognitive Load: Analyzing how external distractions affect the ability to comprehend and/or retain speech information.

  7. 100+ Linguistic Topics

    100+ Linguistic Topics for Excellent Research Papers. Linguistics is an English language category that deals with logical dialectal analysis and interpretation. It seeks to reveal the form, meaning, and context of language. While most college students may perceive linguistics as a simple subject, it is pretty complex.

  8. 100+ Compelling Linguistics Research Topics for University ...

    Under computational linguistics, you can explore different concepts such as artificial intelligence, mathematics, computer science, cognitive science, neuroscience, anthropology. More interesting computational linguistics research topics are: Explain the factors measuring the performance of speech recognition.

  9. New Ideas in Language Sciences: Linguistics

    The language sciences are inherently interdisciplinary, intersecting with disciplines such as cognitive sciences, neuropsychology, informatics, musicology, and social sciences. New ideas in interdisciplinary sub-disciplines such as psycho-, neuro-, or computational linguistics have informed and enriched core topics in linguistics such as comprehension, production, and acquisition of language ...

  10. Key Topics in Sociolinguistics

    About Key Topics in Sociolinguistics. This series focuses on the main topics of study in sociolinguistics today. It consists of accessible yet challenging accounts of the most important issues to consider when examining the relationship between language and society. Some topics have been the subject of sociolinguistic study for many years, and ...

  11. Top 100 Linguistics Research Topics To Explore

    It encompasses many topics such as syntax, phonetics, semantics, phonology, and morphology. Since this subject is broad, selecting the best linguistics research topics might be tough. But with our assistance, anyone can easily cross the linguistics research paper topic selection phase. Especially, in this blog, we have suggested 100 excellent ...

  12. Linguistics

    The research at Penn includes research in the following subfields: computational linguistics, historical linguistics, morphology, phonetics, phonology, psycholinguistics, semantics, sociolinguisticss, and syntax. Linguistics has evolved over time; in the 18th century, the focus was on historical linguistics and looking for an original language.

  13. Projects in Linguistics and Language Studies

    Projects in Linguistics and Language Studies, Third Edition, is your essential guide when embarking on a research project in linguistics or English language. It is clearly divided into the subject areas that most appeal to you as a student: psycholinguistics; first- and second-language acquisition; structure and meaning; sociolinguistics; language and gender; accents and dialects; and the ...

  14. 144+ Research Topics in Linguistics For Successful Paper

    144+ Research Topics in Linguistics For Successful Paper. There is a wide variety of research topics in linguistics. You can use these topics in your thesis, essay, dissertation, project, proposal, or assignment. The English language is diverse and needs enough research to get the evolution and the diversity of all its elements.

  15. Research Projects for Undergraduates

    Research Projects for Undergraduates | Department of Linguistics | University of Washington. Main Office (Guggenheim Hall 414) staffed M/W 8:30 to 3:30 p.m., T/Th 8:45 to 3:30 p.m., and Friday by appointment only; please email [email protected] or call (206) 543-2046 any time. For undergraduate advising, please contact Humanities Academic Services.

  16. 50+ Linguistics Research Topics For Papers And Projects

    Linguistics Topics on Politics. Politics is an ever-present phenomenon in any society. These dissertation topics in linguistics examine the issues surrounding language in the field of politics. We have explained samples of Ph.D. thesis topics in linguistics in this field. The reality of hate speech in selected communities.

  17. Trends and hot topics in linguistics studies from 2011 to 2021: A

    High citations most often characterize quality research that reflects the foci of the discipline. This study aims to spotlight the most recent hot topics and the trends looming from the highly cited papers (HCPs) in Web of Science category of linguistics and language & linguistics with bibliometric analysis. The bibliometric information of the 143 HCPs based on Essential Citation Indicators ...

  18. Top 100 Linguistic Research Topics for Students

    If looking for linguistics topics that relate to discourse studies, here are some of the best ideas to consider. You can also check out our communication research topics. Childhood is the time when speech is made or broken. Cultivation of politicians' buzzword through linguistic analysis. How linguistic patterns are sued to locate migration ...

  19. Faculty & Graduate Research Projects

    The University of Minnesota Hmong Corpus Project. Project director and linguistics professor Hooi Ling Soh, with the help of several cross-discipline university students and native-speaker volunteers, is building a corpus of Hmong texts and audio/video files as a resource for researchers, language learners, and teachers. Funded by a 2023 CLA ...

  20. Linguistics Research

    The Phonetics Laboratory was established as an independent department of the University in 1980, and in 2008 became a constituent part of the Faculty of Linguistics, Philology, and Phonetics. The Phonetics Research Group at Oxford is engaged in a wide range of research themes related to speech and language, including speech synthesis ...

  21. Projects in linguistics : a practical guide to researching language

    Projects in Linguistics has been designed to assist students undertaking a piece of independent research for the first time. It introduces the most commonly used tools and techniques, and offers practical advice on how to research a topic Includes bibliographical references (pages 274-291) and index Introduction : starting on the right foot ...

  22. 10 Language Research and Passion Project Ideas

    Through this project, you can get an introduction to basic text analysis/processing techniques. Idea by language and linguistics research mentor Jennifer. 5. Politeness. Study how politeness, kindness, and other behavioral phenomena are expressed differently across languages (e.g., English vs. Mandarin Chinese).

  23. Course Catalog and Topics

    Includes projects demonstrating application of theory and method to data addressing specific problems. ... for linguistic research and practical applications, including analyses at different levels of linguistic structure and symbolic as well as statistical approaches. ... LING 480 Topics in Linguistics (3, max. 12) VLPA

  24. Projects • Applied Linguistics Program • Iowa State University

    Tammy Slater and Gulbahar Beckett have recently collaborated on an edited volume called Global Perspectives on Project-Based Language Learning, Teaching, and Assessment: Key Approaches, Technology Tools, and Frameworks.The 2020 book is part of the Routledge collection of Studies in Applied Linguistics. Tammy has also written a chapter in the book based on a small research project she undertook ...

  25. Full article: Big claims, low outcomes: fact checking ChatGPT's

    Abstract. Ambiguity has always been a pain in the neck of Natural Language Processing (NLP). Despite enormous AI tools for human language processing, it remains a key concern for Language Technology Researchers to develop a linguistically intelligent tool that could effectively understand linguistic ambiguity and creativity possessed by human language.

  26. Postdoc Position (m/f/d)

    The Department of Linguistic and Cultural Evolution (DLCE) at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MI-EVA) invites applications for a two-year Postdoc, associated with the project "Evolution of Cognitive Tools for Quantification (QUANTA)", funded by the European Research Council with a Synergy Grant to Andrea Bender (UiB), Francesco d'Errico (CNRS Bordeaux), Russell Gray ...

  27. About Stop Overdose

    About CDC's Stop Overdose initiative. Overview. Drugs take nearly 300 lives every day. 1 To address the increasing number of overdose deaths related to both prescription opioids and illegal drugs, we created a website to educate people who use drugs about the dangers of illegally manufactured fentanyl, the risks and consequences of mixing drugs, the lifesaving power of naloxone, and the ...