BA Linguistics

There is not a day without language: we use it to read, write, to communicate. But do you ever wonder how you learned to speak your language when you were a child? And how, as an adult, do you learn new languages? Linguistics has the answer to those questions. In the BA Linguistics at Leiden University, you get to explore all aspects of this discipline. You will compare languages, almost extinct study languages, and learn about language rules and structure.

Why study Linguistics?

How do children acquire their native language? Why are some politicians better at convincing the electorate than others? How have Germanic languages developed over the centuries? How and why do languages differ from one another? These are the kinds of questions linguists seek to answer. In this program, you will explore many different aspects of language. In your first year, you will obtain a broad knowledge base. In your second and third years, you will focus on the specialization of your choice.

The Linguistics department at Leiden University is an internationally renowned academic institute. We offer exciting and interactive lectures, a broad curriculum that covers almost every corner of the globe and the most intriguing topics, as well as the flexibility to define your own educational experience. With the freedom to follow your interests and support from our lecturers, the BA in Linguistics will give you the edge to succeed in the career of your choice.

The difference between Linguistics and a language program

Linguistics differs from academic language programs. In a language program, students learn how to speak, read, and write a specific language. Also, they focus on the relevant history, literature, and society. As a Linguistics student, you delve deeply into language structure, sounds, and syntax. In our bachelor’s program, we offer specializations where you learn one or more new languages, like Hittite or Leti. The main purpose of learning these languages, however, is to enable you to analyze their structure and to compare various languages with one another.

Four specialisations

• Descriptive Linguistics (taught in English)
• Language and Cognition (taught in English)
• Comparative Indo-European Linguistics (taught in English)
• Taal en Communicatie (taught in Dutch)

The Contribution of Linguistics

Linguistic research contributes to a better understanding of human communication. This discipline studies all aspects of language, which means that its research has many practical applications. Some examples: are solutions for people suffering from speech disorders, the development of language software, or the description of nearly forgotten languages to preserve them.

Multifaceted programme

Linguistics touches upon many other disciplines, including sociology, communication science, anthropology, history, and archaeology, as well as biology, psychology, neuroscience, and computer science. Depending on your chosen specialization, you will have the chance to develop your experimental research, which may involve such disciplines as neuroscience and computer science. You will carry out your research projects in one of our four language labs: the Babylab, the EEG lab, the Phonetics lab, or the Eye-tracking lab.

Why Linguistics at Leiden University?

• Join a university where over 60 languages are taught and researched. Leiden University is one of a handful of universities in the world with such a concentration of language specialists.
• SSpecializein what interests you most. With four separate study tracks and a wide range of electives and additional educational opportunities, you can customize your degree to meet your goals.
• Learn in small classes where you can enjoy regular, quality interaction with your teachers and fellow students.
• Our lecturers belong to the top of their field, and their current research is reflected in their teaching.
• We have excellent facilities in Leiden, including four language labs.
• You will be part of a lively international community of students and teachers.
• Get the best start to your career. A linguistics qualification from top-ranking Leiden University is respected by organizations worldwide.

Academic fields

Leiden has faculties in the fields of:

• Archaeology
• Governance and Global Affairs
• Humanities
• Medicine
• Law
• Science
• Social and Behavioural Sciences

Student support

International student advisers

The international student advisers are a good place to go when you need assistance during your stay in the Netherlands. Students in both locations of Leiden University have access to these specialised advisers. In many cases they will be able to provide the information you need, or will refer you to the relevant services. You can consult the advisers on a variety of matters, ranging from financial concerns, settling down issues, academic issues and health insurance to dealing with external housing agents or finding a family doctor.

Student counsellors

We have a number of specialised student counsellors available. They can help in legal and financial matters, but can also assist you in developing study-related skills. The skills package that is offered involves individual counselling and workshops designed to support you in your academic performance. Topics covered include thesis writing, time management, stress management and planning. Additionally, our counsellors are available to help resolve study and personal problems, should this be needed.

Departmental study advisers and coordinators

Each department has its own study advisers/coordinators who can answer questions about matters that are related to the study programme of your choice. You can consult the study adviser/coordinator on issues such as timetables, exam grades, choice of subjects and application for graduation.