Department of Linguistics

Linguists put language under the microscope in order to study aspects of this uniquely human ability. We explore the structure of language, how language is represented and processed in the mind, how language is acquired by children and adults, and how it is used in context—all with the goal of understanding the human mind.

In the Department of Linguistics at the University of Utah, our faculty specialize in theoretical syntax and semantics, phonology, and second language phonology. Our faculty also have interests in historical linguistics, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, and second language pedagogy. We offer undergraduate, MA, and PhD degrees, as well as a TESOL certificate.