Linguistics can be defined as the scientific study of languages and it is a study of morphology, semantics, grammar, phonetics, structure and nature of a language. In linguistics, the connection of a language with society, mind and other languages is critically examined.

Building a career in linguistics:

If a person wishes to build a career in the field of linguistics, he/she should be proficient in speaking, writing and reading the specific language in which he/she is conducting the study. In addition, he/she should be aware of the variations in the pronunciation and meaning of the words of the language. They should discover political, biological, economical, psychological, historical and social characteristics of a language. In-depth knowledge of different languages develops better augmentative and written skills, which are required for shining in this field. Cultural and other features enables a linguistic to identify sentences, words, sound and speech.

Educational qualification:

The curriculum of linguistics involves explanation and description of language as well as its evolution and origin. Several diploma, UG and PG courses are offered in the field of linguistics in various institutions in India and the minimum educational qualification required for doing a UG degree in this field is a pass in the higher secondary examination. When it comes to employment, preference will be given to candidates with master’s degree and Ph. D in M. Phil in linguistics.

Government job in the field of Linguistics:

When it comes to government jobs in the field of linguistics, candidates with M. Phil and Ph. D qualification in linguistics can find job placements in government-run educational institutions as professors and lecturers and recently Linguistics Data Consortium for Indian Languages, called for applications form eligible candidate for the following positions:

• Junior Research Assistant

• Senior Research Assistant

• Resource Person/Lecturer

• Senior Lecturer/Junior Research Officer

• Research Officer/Reader

In addition, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing in Mumbai also recruited candidates from the field of linguistics for the following positions:

• Junior Linguist

• Linguist

• Senior Linguist

Thus, candidates with linguistics degree can find job placements in research organizations involved in the field of research in linguistics and languages. They can find job placement in Anthropological Survey of India, which is a public sector organization.

Career Prospects:

When it comes to career prospects in the field of linguistics, candidates with PG qualification can find employment opportunities in hospitals as Neuro linguists or speech therapists for treating speech problems in adults and children. The other fields in which they can find employment opportunities is business and corporate communication, journalism, advertising and medical transcription.