Focus on Majors: Languages

There are roughly 311 different languages spoken in the United States alone, with more than 6,500 languages spoken worldwide. Globalization and increasing communication with foreign countries have heightened the demand for bilingual speakers. By entering the field of World Languages or Linguistics, you will not only master a second language but will also enhance your perspectives as you learn to value other cultures and build connections with speakers of other languages.

As global interconnectedness continues to grow, the value of language skills and linguistic knowledge has never been higher. For college-bound high school students considering their future majors, both world language studies and linguistics offer exciting and rewarding paths.

Majoring in a Foreign Language

Majoring in a foreign language involves immersing yourself in both the language and culture of specific regions or countries. This field is ideal for students who:

• Want to develop language proficiency (speaking, reading, writing, listening).

• Enjoy learning about new languages and cultures.

• Aspire to work in international settings.

• Have a passion for travel and cross-cultural communication.

Language majors typically focus on:

• Language proficiency.

• Literature of the target language.

• History and culture of relevant countries.

• Area studies.

Popular language majors include Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, French, and German.

For example:

• A Spanish major at the University of California, San Diego might take courses such as Spanish Composition, Introduction to Hispanic Literature, and Spanish Phonetics.

• Grinnell College offers a Chinese major with classes like Reading Chinese Literature, Chinese Food for Thought, and Modern China through Literature and Film.

Careers for Language Majors

The Overlooked Major: American Sign Language (ASL)

An often-overlooked language major is American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is used by over half a million people in the U.S. and is the fourth most studied language at colleges and universities.

For example:

• California State University Northridge offers a Deaf Studies Major with concentrations in:

  • ASL/English Interpreting

  • Deaf Community Services

  • Deaf Cultural Studies

Majoring in Linguistics

Unlike world language majors, linguistics students may not become fluent in multiple languages but instead gain a deep understanding of how languages work. This knowledge applies across various languages and contexts.

Linguistics is the scientific study of language itself. This major is suited for students who:

• Are fascinated by the structure and evolution of languages.

• Enjoy analyzing patterns and solving puzzles.

• Are interested in the cognitive aspects of language use.

Linguistics majors typically study:

• Language structure (phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics).

• Language acquisition and development.

• Historical linguistics.

• Sociolinguistics.

• Computational linguistics.

For example:

• A linguistics major at the University of Connecticut might take courses such as Phonology, Syntax and Semantics, and Language Acquisition.

• At the University of Colorado, Boulder, students can choose a track such as:

  • Computational Linguistics

  • Socio-Cultural Anthropological Interactional Linguistics

  • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

  • Cognitive Linguistics

    
    

Which Major is Right for You?

When deciding between these majors, consider your personal interests and career goals:

• World language studies offer direct language skills and cultural knowledge.

• Linguistics provides a broader, more analytical approach to language.

Both majors cultivate critical thinking, communication skills, and cultural awareness—attributes highly valued by employers across industries.

Whichever path you choose, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive in our increasingly interconnected world.

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