Linguistics is the scientific study of language, its structure and its use in communities past and present. At USC, students investigate how language works in theory and in practice, and how it shapes human interaction in diverse settings.
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Courses
Students study how language is structured and used, gaining analytical skills that prepare them for careers in law, health care, education, technology, publishing and research.
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Research
We explore language in many contexts, from the sounds of speech to social variation, and learn how research advances our understanding of human communication.
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Events
We regularly host colloquia, symposia and reading groups. Join us to explore new ideas in Linguistics.
Stories & Spotlights
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A Million Views
Linguistics at USC opens doors—from classrooms to TEDx. Ph.D. grad Archie Crowley turned a curiosity about language into research seen by nearly a million viewers and a teaching career at Elon University.
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USC linguistics prof’s journey began in South Asia
A summer in Bangladesh immersed young Emily Manetta in numerous languages, spurring the two decades of work on South Asian linguistics she brings to USC.
