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.
50th Anniversary Campaign
In connection with our department’s 50th Anniversary we are launching a 50th Anniversary campaign for the future of the department. To contribute, please visit: umass.edu/linguistics/give-linguistics. On that page, you can find the Endowment fund that we are targeting with this campaign (though donations directed in other ways are welcome!). The photo is of Don Freeman, the founder of the department, in his office in 1972.