Choosing Linguistics
Linguistics is the scientific study of language, including language analytics, how languages evolve, and how we use language to communicate. Linguistic research advances knowledge on how we socialize, how we understand or misunderstand one another, and how we use language to interpret the world around us. Areas of study include sounds (phonetics and phonology), words (morphology), sentences (syntax), pattern and variation analysis (corpus linguistics), narratives and conversations (discourse analysis), meaning (semantics and pragmatics), and the study of individual languages such as Indigenous languages.
SFU Linguistics is one of the largest and most diverse linguistics programs in Canada. We offer a wide range of courses about language at the undergraduate level, including certificate programs in Linguistics of Speech Science and Teaching English as a Second Language. We also offer graduate programs for MA and PhD degrees. The work conducted in our research labs aims to address questions such as how language is acquired in infancy, how second languages are acquired, and how language can be processed by computers.
Career options related to linguistics are expanding each year, as the value of skills such as computational text analysis, practical application of phonetic science, and sociolinguistic analysis is being recognized in the increasingly data-driven job market. Linguistics graduates may choose to work in analytics, language data management, ESL instruction, speech language assistance, and natural language processing (NLP). With further education, a student can become an audiologist, speech-language pathologist, forensic linguist, and more.
News and events
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June 13, 2025
Celebrating the winners of the 2025 Becker Essay Prize
Read the winning essays by Carley Carder and Elizabeth Alvarez Alfaro! Learn about their journeys at SFU, what inspired the ideas for their essays, and the sources of motivation that drive them. -
June 12, 2025
Watch video of Convocation Ceremony F
On June 12, 2025, new graduates of LING and INLP crossed the stage. Enjoy watching our alumni featured in the Convocation Ceremony! -
June 11, 2025
Indigenous language advocate awarded Lieutenant Governor’s Medal
Congratulations to Kaitlyn Cunningham. “I created lifelong friendships with my classmates. Through the research projects, language work and conferences I’ve attended, I have built strong relationships with so many people. My entire life changed after I joined the Indigenous Languages Program.”
A word from our professors
Moments of realization are common while discovering linguistics - "I always sensed that was true, but didn't know why!"
Dr. Wong Einwag offers insight on the ways that linguistics affects our world and our worldview.
Dr. Marianne Ignace, Director of the Indigenous Languages Program, has built research and educational partnerships in and with Indigenous communities.
Several members of faculty provide a broad overview of the different areas of study within linguistics.
Dr. Taboada explains her areas of research, including evaluative language, discourse analysis, and computational linguistics.
Term lecturer Eva Tchizmarova describes the skills and knowledge to be gained in LING 220: Introduction to Linguistics.