Get a solid foundation in linguistics in the ideal setting: a multilingual, multicultural campus located within one of Canada’s most diverse cities. Linguistics is the scientific study of language and its structure, including sounds, words, and grammar. Language is the foundation of human society, influencing interactions in all aspects of life. Our Linguistics, Language and Society program is designed to help you acquire solid academic knowledge of linguistics and understand the impact of language on society.
Our program focuses on both the essential fields of linguistics and the complex interactions between language and society. The curriculum includes core courses in linguistics and specialized courses in critical areas such as communication in multilingual settings, language policy and planning, language and migration, linguistic diversity, language accessibility, and the legal ramifications of linguistic practice.
You’ll take courses in various branches of linguistics, including phonetics (the sound properties of language), morphology (word patterns), semantics (the study of meaning), and sociolinguistics (the relationships between language and social contexts). Our specialized courses will immerse you in how language intertwines with society, culture, and individual experiences. This journey sheds light on how societies use language as a communication tool, navigate linguistic diversities, and undertake initiatives to preserve and revitalize endangered languages. Additionally, the program highlights the pivotal role language plays within the legal context, adding a crucial layer to your understanding of its multifaceted impact.
As a Glendon Linguistics, Language and Society student, you’ll benefit from extensive language resources outside the classroom. The Glendon Centre for Research on Language Contact and the Canadian Language Museum provide hands-on experience. The Linguistics Program frequently hosts talks and conferences featuring well-known scholars. We aim to be globally engaged, technologically up-to-date, and focused on increased access and inclusion, fostering a collaborative and community-based learning environment.
Wondering what each year of your degree will look like? Check it out here.
Courses
Throughout your degree, you’ll find a curriculum that offers an in-depth and balanced approach to Linguistics. It ranges from core courses, such as Introduction to Linguistics (GL/LIN 1603) and Phonetics (GL/LIN 2711), to specialized courses that will immerse you in a comprehensive exploration of the intricate ways in which language intertwines with society, culture, and individual experiences.
You’ll also find many opportunities for hands-on learning. For example, Anishinaabemowin Language and Culture(GL/LIN 2626) includes work with the Ojibway community of Toronto and a weekend wilderness adventure using the Ojibway language. Field Methods (GL/LIN 4215) has students working face-to-face with a speaker of an unfamiliar language to collect and analyze first-hand linguistic data. The course on Linguistic Diversity in Canada (GL/LIN 4611) allows students to gain hands-on experience with linguistic diversity within one of the country’s most diverse cities.
Note: All students must begin with core courses. Starting in their second year, they can begin taking specialized courses. Additionally, the program offers a series of Glendon Core Curriculum (GCC) courses open to non-degree students.
View course timetables on York University’s site
Course Catalogue
Degree Types
Linguistics, Language and Society offers the following degree types and certificates:
- Honours BA / iBA
- Honours Double Major BA / iBA
- Honours Major/Minor BA / iBA
- Honours Minor BA
- Bachelor of Arts
Linguistics, Language and Society is also available a Specialized Honours Stream in Language Endangerment, Documentation and Revitalization, and a bilingual or trilingual international Bachelor of Arts.
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Other Program Details
Student Awards
We want to recognize your academic success and commitment to excellence in the Linguistics, Language and Society program. Not just a financial boost, awards and scholarships are a great way to show your hard work on your resumé and university transcript. Check out the available awards, which include the Linguistics, Language and Society Departmental Prize.
Join the Glendon Linguistics Club
Make the most of your time at Glendon — meet your classmates, learn new skills and get peer support by joining the Glendon Linguistics Club. This student-run group balances social events (movie nights and pizza lunches) with academic events (degree planning and homework help), and offers a series of workshops with Glendon graduates that give you the opportunity to ask questions about future career paths.
Meet Our Alumni
Discover the careers some of our alumni have excelled in, and find out how their experience at Glendon gave them an advantage in the job market.
