Linguistics

Linguistics is a scientific discipline that focuses on human language. It examines this area with the aim of describing and explaining both theoretical and practical aspects of language and speech. The study of linguistic ability includes investigating the use of language in communication, the biological and physiological principles of language in the human brain, the historical development and typological variation of languages, as well as the processes involved in first-language (and second-language) acquisition. Additionally, it encompasses analyses of language-related pathological phenomena, as well as the communicative conditions and impacts of linguistic behavior.

Based on the sign-like nature of language, the following main areas of linguistics can be distinguished:

• Phonetics and phonology, which focus on the sound structure of language;
• Morphology and syntax, which examine the building blocks of linguistic form and how they combine into complex expressions;
• Semantics, which uses formal logical methods to study the meaning of linguistic utterances;
• Pragmatics, which explores the appropriate use of expressions in linguistic actions within specific contexts.

The Frankfurt BA program in Linguistics is overseen by the Institute for Linguistics at Goethe University. As an internationally renowned research institute, it is dedicated to fundamental research in linguistics. The Institute for Linguistics collaborates closely with other linguistic research initiatives at Goethe University as well as with German and international research centers. It plays a leading role in the DFG-funded graduate program “Nominal Modification.”

The Bachelor’s program in Linguistics is structured into a foundational phase, a qualification phase, and an elective area. The modules in the foundational phase provide an introduction to the methods, theories, and key issues in linguistics, while familiarizing students with the various fields within the discipline. Building on this foundation, students expand and deepen their knowledge during the qualification phase. In the elective area, students can acquire foreign language skills or other academic or career-oriented qualifications.

The foundational phase includes the following eight required modules:  
1. Fundamentals of Linguistics  
2. Logic  
3. Mathematics and Methodology  
4. Phonetics and Phonology  
5. Historical Linguistics and Typology  
6. Syntax and Morphology  
7. Semantics and Pragmatics  
8. Psycholinguistics and Neurolinguistics  

The qualification phase consists of three elective modules, which are selected from the following areas:  
1. Syntax  
2. Semantics and Pragmatics  
3. Phonology  
4. Historical Linguistics  
5. Psycholinguistics and Neurolinguistics  

Additionally, the qualification phase includes the final module (Bachelor’s thesis). These qualification modules differ from the foundational modules by offering more in-depth theoretical knowledge. They foster the application of previously acquired knowledge to explore new problems, provide students with greater opportunities to shape seminar topics and workflows, and serve as a means of specialization within the program. This prepares students to tackle individual academic challenges at the end of their studies.

The elective area consists of three elective modules, of which at least two must be completed. In the Foreign Language Acquisition module, students can count foreign language courses offered at Goethe University toward their degree. Language courses at foreign universities can also be taken and credited toward the program. The Internship module offers students an initial insight into professional practice in linguistics. Relevant internships can, for example, be completed at clinics with speech therapy departments or at institutions dealing with language and law. The Free Study module allows students to include courses from other programs at Goethe University or even courses from other universities in their studies.

For more information about the Linguistics major, please visit the faculty’s webpage.