Linguistics
Why Study Linguistics?
Students of linguistics come to understand that language is composed of layers of intertwined systems (sound, meaning, organization, and context) as they study phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Linguistics students have the opportunity to explore language as it relates to society, including the relationship between language and social factors such as region, ethnicity, gender, and identity.
Our students will learn about how language is acquired, not through imitation, but through a natural process that moves through a series of stages. In linguistics classes, we will explore the influence of language on culture, the influence of technology on language, the way that language changes over time, and the importance of context in communication.
The Linguistics program at the University of Mississippi offers undergraduate degrees in Linguistics (both a major and a minor) that give the students a solid background in theoretical and applied linguistics. Students can deepen their study of linguistics in the Masters and Doctorate degree programs.
Prospective Students
- The UM Linguistics Information Sheet provides a summary of our Spanish program and our Spanish program alumni.
- The UM Linguistics Degree Sheet provides degree requirements and a sample 4-year curriculum plan.
Degree Requirements
- Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics + Linguistics Minor
- Master of Arts in Modern Languages: Specialization in Linguistics
- Doctorate in Second Language Studies: Applied Linguistics
- List of Linguistics Courses at the University of Mississippi
Student Resources
RESEARCH
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- American Association of Applied Linguistics
- Linguistics Society of America
- International Society for Language Studies
- Society for Linguistic Anthropology
- American Dialect Society
- International Phonetic Association
- International Pragmatics Association
BLOGS
PODCASTS
- A Way with Words
- Talk the Talk
- Speculative Grammarian Podcast
- National Museum of Language Podioma
- Code Switch
- The Allusionist
- Lexicon Valley
- Word of Mouth
- That’s What They Say
- Lingthusium
- Conlangery Podcast
- Words for Granted
YOUTUBE CHANNELS
Extracurricular Activities
Phi Sigma Iota Honor Society
Phi Sigma Iota, the International Foreign Languages Honor Society, recognizes the exceptional achievements of students of linguistics, philology, second language acquisition, and foreign languages.
Faculty
The Linguistics faculty at the Department of Modern Languages consists of fifteen members with expertise in several fields of linguistics, including dialectology, language acquisition, languages in contact, sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, syntax and translation studies. The linguistics faculty is enthusiastic, supportive, and committed to working closely with its students. Each year the linguistics faculty selects a top linguistics student to receive the T.J. Ray Award in Linguistics at the University’s annual Honors Day Ceremony.
Contact Information
Majors and Minors:
Undergraduate Academic Advisor
Tamara Warhol, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Linguistics and TESOL
twarhol@olemiss.edu
Howry 213
662-915-6695
M.A. and Ph.D. Students:
M.A. Program Coordinator for Linguistics and TESOL Certificate:
Maria Fionda, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Spanish and Linguistics
mifionda@olemiss.edu
Bondurant E-205B
662-872-8164
Ph.D. Program Coordinator for Linguistics:
Dr. Felice Coles
fcoles@olemiss.edu
Bondurant East 210A
662-915-7702
Financial Assistance
Scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships help many students study Linguistics. Modern Languages awards scholarships to students of Linguistics, the College of Liberal Arts awards additional scholarships, and other financial support is available from the Office of Financial Aid.
