In simple words, languages are the medium used by people to communicate with each other. This may refer to languages spoken and written or to sign languages, language to encode a computer program and so on and so forth. Currently there are around 3000 – 6000 languages spoken worldwide. A study of languages is broadly termed as linguisticsalthough specific fields may be individually named. Language Degrees
There are a multitude of languages to choose from when it comes to studying them in depth. Most colleges will teach common languages such as English, Spanish, French and German while others may also have degree programs for other languages including Mandarin, Japanese, Arabic and Persian etc.Besides learning a language, a person may also opt to study different facets of the English language or even learn how to teach English as a second language to foreign students. The most commonly pursued degree appears to be applied linguistics. In this degree program, students not only learn the building blocks of the language in detail but also study their applications and uses in many fields.
Online Language Courses
Language courses are also available online. This is an easy and convenient way of studying a language from the comfort of your home. However, before choosing a program, it is necessary to verify that you will be awarded an accredited certificate for taking the course and that course material is extensive enough for the level you are choosing. Time taken to complete an online language coursemay depend on the amount of time you are able to allot to it and the level of learning that you have chosen. A typical degree undergraduate program in languages will take around four years to complete – online or at campus. Taking an online course in a foreign language mid career may be a good idea since it will broaden the number of nationalities you will be able to reach out to by virtue of being able to freely communicate with them in the language they speak.
Career Prospects after Studying Languages
Languages may offer many exciting and interesting careers. Besides going into linguistic research and history, a study of languages may also lead to a rewarding profession as an editor, proof reader or translator. If you have studied a foreign language, you may decide to become an interpreter or manuscript/ book translator.A study of languages may also come in useful in the field of forensics. In fact, forensic linguistics is coming up as a field of its own with useful applications in the field of solving crime.Other career opportunities that a study of languages may open up may include work as:
There are a multitude of languages to choose from when it comes to studying them in depth. Most colleges will teach common languages such as English, Spanish, French and German while others may also have degree programs for other languages including Mandarin, Japanese, Arabic and Persian etc.Besides learning a language, a person may also opt to study different facets of the English language or even learn how to teach English as a second language to foreign students. The most commonly pursued degree appears to be applied linguistics. In this degree program, students not only learn the building blocks of the language in detail but also study their applications and uses in many fields.
Online Language Courses
Language courses are also available online. This is an easy and convenient way of studying a language from the comfort of your home. However, before choosing a program, it is necessary to verify that you will be awarded an accredited certificate for taking the course and that course material is extensive enough for the level you are choosing. Time taken to complete an online language coursemay depend on the amount of time you are able to allot to it and the level of learning that you have chosen. A typical degree undergraduate program in languages will take around four years to complete – online or at campus. Taking an online course in a foreign language mid career may be a good idea since it will broaden the number of nationalities you will be able to reach out to by virtue of being able to freely communicate with them in the language they speak.
Career Prospects after Studying Languages
Languages may offer many exciting and interesting careers. Besides going into linguistic research and history, a study of languages may also lead to a rewarding profession as an editor, proof reader or translator. If you have studied a foreign language, you may decide to become an interpreter or manuscript/ book translator.A study of languages may also come in useful in the field of forensics. In fact, forensic linguistics is coming up as a field of its own with useful applications in the field of solving crime.Other career opportunities that a study of languages may open up may include work as:
- Historians
- School teachers
- Professors
- Script writers
- Ad copy writers
- Novelists
Salaries, however, are lower in the field of linguistics as compared to other fields. Of course, they vary from one choice of profession to another with a maximum going up to $ 201, 000 per annum. On average, a linguist’s salary may be up to $ 146,000 by working one job. Freelancing writing, editing or translating services may further add to earnings significantly.
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