Education

Nanyang Technological University (NTU): Arts and Sosial Sciences: Linguistics and Multilingual Studies

Category Art and Social Sciences, Linguistics and Multilingual Studies, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, Undergraduate
Tags Arts, Linguistics, Multilingual, Nanyang Technological University, NTU, Sciences, Sosial, Studies

The Linguistics and Multilingual Studies (LMS) programme aims to produce graduates to meet the manpower requirement of Singapore and the region. Studying LMS allows students to not only explore questions about language, but also to receive broad training that cuts across traditional boundaries between disciplines. By virtue of the central role of language in human interactions and activities, LMS is situated at the intellectual intersection of the humanities, and social, biological, and behavioral sciences, and is an important component of an all-rounded education. This allows LMS graduates therefore to take on jobs that are not restricted by disciplinary boundaries.

LMS takes an analytical approach to the study of language, and LMS graduates will have acquired skills in critical thinking, data analysis, problem solving, and logical thinking that can be applied to many fields. The study of language in multilingual settings also provides students with a global perspective, allowing LMS graduates to be culturally and socially attuned and aware, making them good communicators with an international worldview. The focus on languages other than English also ensures that the graduates find careers in fields that are not limited to English.

Armed with the life-skills that a LMS education provides, graduates will have a firm foundation from which they can pursue careers in such areas as the publishing and communication industries, translating and interpreting, computational fields, foreign language teaching, and the teaching of English as a second language. It is also relevant to professions where cultural awareness and communication skills are critical components of the job description. Generally, an LMS major provides students with valuable training for many different kinds of opportunities following graduation.

The Division of Linguistics and Multilingual Studies (LMS) is the first of its kind not only in Singapore and the region, but also anywhere in the world. As one of the best-known examples of a modern, vibrant and successful multilingual society, Singapore is uniquely positioned to promote academic studies of language and multilingualism. As no other tertiary institution in Singapore offers such an undergraduate programme, NTU is well placed to take on this challenge.

The study of Linguistics and Multilingual Studies allows students to explore the many interesting facets of language, from the properties of speech sounds to word and sentence structure, from children’s language development to communication in bilingual and multilingual societies. It encompasses a very wide range of topics: how a finite inventory of basic linguistic units is deployed to express an infinite variety of meanings, how sentences are processed and decoded, how the bilingual and multilingual mind is structured, and how technology impacts upon people’s everyday use of language, to mention just a few.

What is Linguistics?

Linguistics is the systematic study of language. Since language is generally regarded as the defining trait of human beings, Linguistics occupies a central position in the humanities. At the same time, Linguistics aims at achieving a detailed understanding of the complex neurological and psychological processes whereby speech and writing are produced and understood, as well as the sociological and cultural underpinnings that inform linguistic communication. It thus also shares considerable common ground with the social sciences, including psychology, anthropology, and sociology.

As the name “Linguistics and Multilingual Studies” suggests, the proposed programme is designed with a focus on the study of the languages of multilingual individuals and of multilingual societies. This, we believe, would make it particularly relevant to Singapore and the region, which is characterised by the widespread practice of bilingualism and multilingualism. In addition to English, this programme will also focus on the study of language issues in countries that are of special relevance to Singapore such as China, India, Indonesia and Vietnam, amongst others.

A significant proportion of courses within the Linguistics and Multilingual Studies (LMS) programme contain either a focus or a component part that addresses questions central to our understanding of language and multilingualism. For example: How are words from two or more languages organised and retrieved in the bilingual mind? What sociological or cultural factors govern the simultaneous use of two or more languages in a community? A background in core Linguistics training will place students in a strong position to develop a guided interest in multilingual and bilingual language development and use. An appreciation of the complexities of multilingualism will inculcate in the students a deeper understanding of themselves as bilinguals and a keener awareness of how to make the best use of the linguistic potentials made available to them in a multilingual community.

A major programme in LMS gives graduates insight into one of the most intriguing aspects of human knowledge and behavior, and at the same time introduces them to related disciplines. As language is an integral part of all human activities, the study of linguistics provides a conducive platform for interdisciplinary discourse and research. The interdisciplinary nature of LMS ensures that students obtain a solid general education through being exposed to a variety of disciplines such as Sociology, Communication, Computer Science, Education, Hearing and Speech sciences, Law, Literature, Philosophy, and Psychology. A LMS programme in NTU complements courses in related areas and encourages students to think beyond their specific fields.

Students majoring in LMS at NTU may organise their studies around different aspects of the field or concentrations. For example, a student may decide to concentrate on how language is acquired and processed (Language, Mind and Multilingualism concentration); how language relates to social and cultural forces (Multilingual Societies and Multiculturalism concentration), language learning and teaching (Applied English Linguistics concentration); how language is used in the ever changing and innovating technological world (Language and Technology concentration); or how language systems are analysed from a variety of theoretical perspectives (General Linguistics  concentration). Students can also choose courses from two or more of these concentrations. All of these programs share a common focus on the application of linguistics knowledge to practical issues related to languages in modern society.

The curriculum of the major in Linguistics and Multilingual Studies in NTU is designed to complement the university’s strength in science and technology and Singapore’s need for a workforce which is highly globalised and linguistically competent. Several courses (e.g. Language and Computers, Corpus linguistics, Machine Translation, Language and Technology, Forensic linguistics, Language and the Internet) capitalise on student’s academic interest in the application of engineering and science to language studies. Other courses provide general training in intercultural communication and analytical training through raising students’ awareness of issues relating to the use of languages in bilingual and multilingual societies.

The double major and minor programmes are offered for students who are pursuing a major in another discipline but would like to acquire a more in-depth knowledge in Linguistics and Multilingual Studies. The broadening courses fulfill General Education Requirements and are offered to students in all disciplines.