What is linguistics?

Linguistics is the systematic study of human language. Linguists are interested in language for its own sake, as a complex product of the human mind. They are also interested in how language develops in children, how it changes over time, and how it is used in human society.

Student working on laptop in linguistics classroom

Top three in the world (again)

UMass linguistics was ranked No. 3 in the QS 2023 world rankings. We are one of only two departments in the world to have been in the top three every year for the last five years.

 Linguistic Society of America Advancing the Scientific Study of Language since 1924

LSA Summer Institute at UMass Amherst

UMass linguistics hosted the 2023 Linguistic Society of America Summer Institute from June 19 to July 14. For more information, visit the 2023 institute website.