Department of Linguistics

Why linguistics at UVic?

Courses

Applying to UVic

Find your edge in linguistics
Undergraduate student Rachel Woldmo says she enjoys the analytical and problem-solving aspects of linguistics.
Become a student

Student in a lab — Discover our programs
Our programs explore everything from the structure of languages around the world, to how language is organized in our minds and how best to teach languages.
Undergraduate programs

Aliki Marinakis works at her desk — Exciting careers in linguistics
UVic alumna Aliki Marianakis uses her linguistics education every day as the Indigenous Language Revitalization Program manager for UVic's Indigenous Education program.
Career possibilities

Marianne Huijsmans in a UVic building — Graduate studies in linguistics
Marianne Huijsmans' love of sound and singing drew her to UVic to study how the structure of language relates to human understanding.
Become a graduate student

Student and professor recording their voices in a sound lab — Inspiring courses
Discover thought provoking courses that will help you understand the complex role language plays in the lives of people, communities and societies.
Courses

Dr. Heather Bliss reading a book with a member of the Blackfoot Indigenous community — Research that has an impact
UVic is unique in bridging three interrelated areas of specialization: theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics and Indigenous language revitalization. Dr. Heather Bliss conducts research on the Blackfoot language.
Our research

Two undergraduate students use an ultrasound to look at tongue movement — Resources and equipment to support your learning
Students have access to the labs and equipment they need to support their learning and research.
Resources

Explore language

Are you wondering how to pronounce words in Indigenous languages like Kwak’wala? Aiming for a career as a language teacher or a speech language pathologist? Linguistics has a place for you.

By studying linguistics, we are opening a window into how the mind works.
—Hossein Nassaji, Department Chair

Our department offers programs that explore everything from the structure of languages around the world, to how language is organized in our minds and how best to teach languages. We are also leaders in offering Indigenous language revitalization programs, in partnership with Indigenous Education at UVic.