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.
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.
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.
Upcoming Events
50th Anniversary Campaign
department, in his office in 1972.
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.
