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We learn languages to communicate as language is central to our human nature. The subject matter of linguistics is Language (not any particular language) as a human activity. Linguistics is the scientific study of human language and its structure, including the study of morphology, syntax, phonetics, and semantics. It deals with both the Structure of the language (what language is - Competence) and with the way it Functions in different settings (how language works - Performance) as well as the way it relates to social organisation and changes over time. In other words what to say (how a sentence is structured) and how to say it (which words, grammar, tone of voice – even – to choose according to a particular setting) in any language is at the core of linguistics and as such explains why Linguistics has links with different subject matters such as psychology or sociology.
Churchill is a good College for Linguistics. Our Director of Studies, Anny King, is the Emeritus Director of the University Language Centre.
Having studied a language-related subject at A Level (such as Modern or Oriental Languages, Classics, or English) is not essential to start your degree course in Linguistics. However, having an interest in the workings of language, and some knowledge of one or more languages other than English (if this is your mother tongue) is an advantage.