Linguist

Linguists study language by analyzing:

• word meaning and the meaning of phrases and sentences
• the structure of phrases and sentences
• sound systems and their structure
• properties shared by human languages
• ways in which languages differ
• language development, use and change
• speech errors
• discourse structure
• the form and function of language.

Linguists may apply their knowledge in a wide variety of areas including:

• language disorders and the acquisition of language in children
• the function and role of language in various cultures
• the ways in which languages change over time and the ways in which this helps us understand our human history
• software and database development (natural language interfaces, document retrieval and information extraction from written text, machine translation)
• identifying speakers or writers for forensic purposes
• teaching language instructors and developing related guidelines, technical methodologies and instructional materials
• language and brain function
• development of language material for First Nations people
• language, translation and word processing
• development of software for grammar checking
• dictionary development.

Linguists often work standard hours in an office environment but some field work may be required for data collection. Teachers and researchers may work long hours.

For more information about linguists who work in a post-secondary environment, see the University Professor occupational profile.

Linguists need to possess:

• an interest in languages
• above-average academic skills
• good argumentation and analysis skills
• the ability to concentrate for long periods of time on precise, detailed work.

Linguists should be open to and accepting of diverse cultural patterns, especially as these apply to language behaviour. They should value all languages, even those spoken by few people, as equally valid means of communication. Linguists should enjoy exploring things in depth, using research to find solutions to problems, making decisions, co-ordinating the work of others and taking a methodical approach to their work.

Linguists may be employed by:

• the federal government
• private or public schools
• overseas organizations in the field of educational development and literacy programs
• telecommunication agencies such as telephone companies
• commercial organizations such as software development companies.

Advancement generally takes the form of being assigned more complex projects. Opportunities to advance to supervisory or management positions are limited.

Linguists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 4169: Other Professional Occupations in Social Science. In Alberta, 79% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)
• Health Care and Social Assistance (PDF)
• Public Administration (PDF)

The employment outlook (PDF) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Canadian Association of Applied Linguistics website: www.aclacaal.org

Canadian Linguistic Association website: cla-acl.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.