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What Is a Linguist?

Saturday, June 27, 2009
 

Instructions

Applied Linguists

  • Step 1:
    Applied linguistics is the largest field in the study of language, encompassing how generalities are created regarding language and then applied to other fields of study. Some examples of this are the creation of speech recognition software, using both computer science and linguistics, and conversational analysis, which uses linguistics and sociology.

Historical Linguists

  • Step 1:
    Historical linguistics, also known as diachronic linguistics, is the study of how languages are created and evolve throughout history. An historical linguist classifies languages to study them further and decipher their etymologies.They also observe changes in language and theorize how these changes take place. Syntax is a sub branch of historical linguistics.

Anthropological Linguists

  • Step 1:
    An anthropological linguist works to discover languages of the past and methods that were used by ancient peoples and societies to communicate. They also work with other sociolinguists to classify and study languages that are evolving through culture and media.

Neurolinguists and Psycholinguists

  • Step 1:
    Neurolinguists and psycholinguists are two different specialties within linguistics, but they have similar roles. A neurolinguist studies the brain and how its structures relate to grammar and communication, while a psycholinguist evaluates the brain's cognitive processes and use of language to communicate.

Dialectologists

  • Step 1:
    Dialectology, considered a subfield of sociolinguistics, studies how language varies based on geographic location. They study how the words are pronounced in any specific area as well as how grammar has evolved when compared to the original common ancestor language.

What Is a Linguist? Provided by eHow.com
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