This programme trains students in all aspects of the study of language (language sciences), with a particular focus on the languages and language situations of the Caribbean.

                                                     

Why choose this Programme

Applicable skills  

Students will develop their ability to analyse the patterns of diverse languages, to appreciate the crucial roles that Creoles and other languages play in all aspects of society in the Caribbean and the Caribbean diaspora. 

Industry links  

The programme provides opportunities to interact with leading professionals in the fields of Linguistics Research, Language Documentation, Speech-Language Pathology, and Sign Language Interpreting and is also recognised by the Ministry of Education as providing a pathway to Teacher III status for teachers of English.

Facilities and Resources

  • The Writing Centre 

  • Language Labs 

  • Field trips
     
  • Expert supervision

Research 

In their final year, all students carry out a Caribbean Linguistics research project guided by staff. A number of student projects have been published in international journals.

Student Activities 

  • Modern Languages and Linguistics Research Day 
  • UWI Linguistics Society 
  • Field Trips 
  • Study Abroad 
  • Celebration of International Mother Language Day in February, International Day of Sign Languages in September, Jounen Kwéyòl Entenasyonnal (International Creole Day) in October (October is also Calypso Month) 
  • Language classes providing training in Caribbean languages, including Lesser Antillean French Creole (Patois/Kwéyòl) and Trinidad and Tobago Sign Language (TTSL) 
  • National and regional conferences, such as the Society for Caribbean Linguistics Biennial Conferences 

Career Opportunities 

  • Documenting and describing the world's unwritten languages  
  • Journalism and Writing 
  • Language Research and Consultancy  
  • Language Teaching (in Trinidad & Tobago, regionally, and around the world)  
  • Speech-Language Pathology  
  • Translating and Interpreting 

Alumni/Career paths 

Linguistics graduates have moved into a wide variety of careers, from education to research. Many alumni are members of the Society for Caribbean Linguistics, which organises regular events, and a forum for language research and advocacy. Those who move into other specialism may participate in organisations such as the Caribbean Speech-Language-Hearing Association (https://www.facebook.com/CaribSHA/).

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