Language and Linguistics Career Guide: Salary and Degree Info
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The Language and Linguistics degree presents a wealth of opportunities—and it mainly gives you that great advantage if you have a keen interest in learning about different cultures. In this modern era, where practically every important company or organization has a global presence, the possibilities that await you are endless.
Most college linguistics students who study foreign languages become translators, foreign language teachers, and interpreters. However, language programs nowadays are diverse and different from what they were thirty years ago.
Linguistics graduates fill essential positions throughout the global economy, using the languages and capabilities that come with them to keep the world moving forward. Today, it’s almost impossible to do business and negotiations without solid intercultural communication skills and another language or two.
Language majors have become attractive in the job market, not because of their second or third language, but because of the skills that come hand in hand while learning the language.
Considering the global setting, applicants who can speak languages beyond their native tongue are likely to become assets. Here are the top career paths for Language degree holders.
Travel and Tourism
In the travel and tourism industry, your language skills can make you the right candidate for the job. You may spend a few years studying your chosen country and its language, travel to that place, fall in love and then make a living out of it by helping others learn about the country and its culture. Entry-level positions on cruise ships and hospitality industries can be a good starting point.
International Aid and Development
Language and linguistics degree majors can work in different aid organizations and NGOs around the world to help make an impact on humanity or society. These organizations must be managed by people who have an overview of the realities of the communities they work in. As a result, this requires knowledge of the local language and culture.
Volunteering programs are readily available across the globe, or big organizations like the UN Development Program can be an option for language majors. The proven ability to work and operate with people across a multicultural setting and socioeconomic barriers is a must.
Marketing Jobs
With the majority of the brands going global and phenomenal, the help of multilingual marketers can make a difference. Global businesses can benefit from multilingual marketers and writers who know how to tailor their message to their clients or audience. Big companies cannot survive without people who speak the local language of their target market.
With this, language majors have the skills to understand cultural value systems and purchasing capabilities and, most of all, speak the language of the people they are targeting.
Language Majors and Educators
The world of education is one of the best starting points for language majors. Whether an individual teaches English in Southeast Asia or Japanese in a European country or another particular language, the possibilities are rewarding.
Language majors make great educators since they study foreign languages and cultures in depth, which makes them better prepared to understand the challenges faced by the societies in which they are immersed.
In addition to foreign language teaching, as well as becoming policymakers, educational administrators, and curriculum designers, they need to have an in-depth understanding and analyze trends in their social and cultural contexts.
As a result, a language degree is an excellent option to start. And, being proficient in multiple foreign languages is a definite plus!
Journalism Jobs
Few professionals who will be readily prepared for these types of industries are those who have language majors in university. The field of journalism will not progress without reporters who speak the language. The real advantage is the ability to understand and engage with the people they encounter.
CNN and BBC have dedicated teams with everything from production to editorial jobs composed of culturally aware and linguistically talented individuals.
Language as a Degree
A language and linguistics degree is crucial in the modern global market. At the Bachelor’s level, linguistics students take on a variety of courses to ensure effective multicultural communication and cross-cultural competency. In many universities and colleges, the Bachelor of Languages programs promote cultural immersion.
Linguistics students may also integrate other courses such as international affairs, political science, history, or literature. Linguistics graduates land careers in the private and public sectors, with teaching, interpreting, translating, healthcare, tourism, research, and journalism, as the most common jobs.
While many job opportunities require candidates to have at least a bachelor’s, linguistics graduates with an Associate’s in Language degree can become interpreters, translators, and proofreaders depending on their skills.
On the other hand, some Language majors have a deep appreciation and passion for language and culture. They never have to stop learning even after graduation. Few of them work in universities, scientific institutes, or even think tanks. As a result, they finish their Ph.D. in Languages which would entail three to seven years of education.
According to the Modern Language Association (MLA), Spanish, French, American Sign Language, German, and Japanese were the top five languages enrolled by the majority of students in 2016. The survey further reveals that students also prefer to study Italian, Chinese, Arabic, and Latin.
Types of Language Degrees
Some people are fluent in multiple languages. However, a formal education—the Language and linguistics degree in particular—does more as it builds superior listening and communication skills, enhances cultural awareness and appreciation, improves comprehension of contextual vocabulary and slang, promotes attention to detail, and points to distinctions in communication.
The majority of translators and interpreters obtain a bachelor’s degree, although the training requirements vary. A degree in the chosen language helps develop a strong foundation for learning the culture and literature of the speakers.
Linguistics students are encouraged to choose the right mix of electives when enrolling in a language degree. It must have a blend of cultural study and language courses. The language degree program improves research and memorization skills that will be beneficial for translations or in working with communications, deadlines, and reporting.
There are language classes designed for specific environments, such as the workplace. With this, students learn proper pronunciation, grammar, conversational style, and word usage.
Specialized courses that are available online can teach students the essentials they will need to work in their professional careers, such as human resource management, business, law, healthcare management, and fire science.
Furthermore, there are ways to demonstrate proficiency in another business language if he or she is already working through language certificates. Also, a master’s degree is a good option for people who prefer working as a conference interpreter or in other technical areas such as finance, engineering, or localization.
Language Specializations
Many people love learning foreign languages, but some find it difficult to imagine their lives after graduation. With globalization booming nowadays, the ability to connect foreign cultures has evolved. The love of language doesn’t have to be a challenging endeavor.
There are a variety of specializations within language degree programs for language enthusiasts.
International Studies
Linguistics students who have a deep passion for traveling and culture should consider an International Studies major. Aside from language learning, they will become a student of a specific culture as they enhance their skills and knowledge in the worldview in an age of globalization.
International studies majors usually pursue international business career opportunities.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Native English speakers who enjoy learning languages can consider a TEFL major. They learn different teaching techniques that are aligned with language learning as well as classroom management, pedagogy, and lesson planning. Teaching English to foreign-speaking students is a very important task.
Language Studies
If a person prefers a specific language, Language Studies is an excellent choice. This program typically requires a cultural immersion or staying in the country of the chosen style, so it’s a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons and get to know the culture immensely.
Linguistics
If a person has a curious mind and a deep passion for language, he or she is good to go toward being a Linguistics major. As such, linguistics majors are interested in language development by studying the concepts and foundations of language – how language is acquired, changed, or structured that allow people to communicate.
Linguistic Anthropology
Linguistic Anthropologists love to study endangered, dead, and modern languages to get an understanding of how the concept of language shapes and influences social movements, belief systems, and ideologies.
This degree is suitable for people who enjoy learning the language for social instead of the technical aspect.
Language Education: Online or Traditional?
The majority of academic institutions offering Language programs have integrated platforms for hosting virtual classes, assignments, coursework, research papers, and project works. Also, students can meet their professors and classmates throughout the online program.
They take quizzes, access learning materials, and participate in activities relatively similar to their on-campus counterparts. Online bachelor’s degree programs typically need 120 credit hours as completion of the program.
Language-specific degree programs are readily available online such as 100% online programs in the Spanish Language that are ideal for students who do not have the time and resources to attend traditional education.
It is one of the best choices for busy working professionals seeking to learn a new language without compromising their personal and professional obligations.
Traditional Language Education can be earned through traditional colleges and universities, vocational and trade schools, or even private establishments. There are times when the workplace offers employees the opportunity to learn a foreign language through partnerships or collaborations with a private company that provides language education.
Also, there are language cafes that offer rates and packages that allow individuals to choose a specific language and the learning materials and schedule that comes with the package.
Students under the traditional learning format have the opportunity to travel to the country of their chosen language as part of the cultural immersion. Therefore, it is an exciting opportunity to learn a new language and study their culture with firsthand experience.
Four-year language degrees consist of cultural study, language courses, and electives as well as the opportunity to further advance to the master’s degree option.
Students must consider enrolling in an accredited and high-rated educational institution such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Earning a language degree from accredited colleges and universities provides better job opportunities than non-accredited educational institutions.
Financing Your Language Education
Whether it’s an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree, there are several ways to finance students’ language education. The financial aid application and system for an online language degree is now similar to that of a traditional on-campus degree equivalent.
Loans
Linguistics students may borrow money for their education. They may apply through their college or university financial aid department or in local banks. Students may also obtain from the government, which is considered to be more favorable since interest rates are lower compared to private institutions.
Furthermore, they may apply for a loan through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Grants
Grants are considered gift aids since they do not need to be repaid. They are often awarded to students who have low personal or family income as well as students who have disabilities. There is a minimum grade point average (GPA) to be maintained for the student to continue qualifying for this type of financial support.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to students due to many specific reasons. They are based on academics, hobbies, sports, academic achievements, or even in the field of arts. Private companies provide scholarships to students who meet their eligibility requirements.
They are similar to grants since they do not require to be paid; however, the majority of awards need students to maintain an academic standing, a minimum GPA, or a commitment to sports or organization.
Work-Study Programs
This type of financial aid provides students the opportunity to earn money for their educational expenses while attending school.
The financial support system varies from one online school to another. Each school has a dedicated team who readily helps students make their way to support their studies financially. As such, it is best to check with the chosen school for the complete list of aid being provided.
Language Career Pathways, Information, and Outlook
There are several career opportunities that make use of the skills earned while studying in a language-related degree program. Language skills are highly preferable nowadays in times of globalization and can be used in almost all professional careers, specifically in businesses that trade internationally.
Diverse professional pathways await language degree majors in several fields, such as diplomacy, international commerce, intelligence gathering, non-profit organizations, education, literature, information technology, international relations, and journalism, among others.
The most common job opportunities directly related to a language degree and linguistics graduates include the following:
- Translator
- Secondary School Teacher
- Interpreter
However, there are other careers that language degree majors can establish successfully careers with their language and cultural skills and studies, such as the following:
- Tour Manager/Operator
- Broadcast Journalist
- Patent Examiner
- Detective
- Sales Executive
- Diplomatic Service Officer
- Logistics/Distribution Manager
- Private Tutor
- English as a Foreign Language Teacher (ESL)
- International Volunteer
The work environment for linguistics graduates varies per position; however, the majority of the interpreters work in conference centers, courtrooms, schools, and meeting rooms. Additionally, some people work for translation and interpretation companies, private clients, or individual establishments. With the rising times of technology, many translators work remotely.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a projected 2% change in employment from 2023 to 2033 for interpreters and translators, slower than average growth rate compared to other occupations. They earn an annual rate of $57,090.
The presence of non-English speakers in the United States and globalization have significantly impacted the employment growth rate, increasing the number of job prospects in the coming years.
10 COMMON LANGUAGE CAREERS
Translator
A translator is responsible for the conversion of concepts from the source language to the target language. Translators compile terminologies to be utilized for verbal translations and renditions and to relay the tone and style of the original language. They ensure that oral messages are rendered precisely, quickly, and clearly for a logical and meaningful conversion.
A bachelor’s degree is typically needed to pursue this career as it facilitates communication. The median annual salary for translators is $57,090.
Interpreter
An interpreter serves as a bridge for effective communication between two parties. They generally work during state functions or international meetings to help heads of countries agree. Interpreters are usually present in beauty pageants, the Olympics, church conferences, and the like. They help people understand a speaker’s language for effective communication.
They are also responsible for assisting in proceedings. Despite the platform or crowd size, the central goal is to bridge two languages for easy understanding and effective communication. They are generally placed on the spot and convert to the target language impromptu.
A bachelor’s degree is needed at the very least to enter this career. The median annual salary for interpreters is $57,090.
Brand Specialist
Brand specialists are being hired by known brands like Google, and their main job is to communicate in foreign markets. Their role is to interact with customers to properly serve the product enhancements of various brands on the market.
A bachelor’s degree in the Language qualifies you for this job. The median annual salary for brand specialists is $86,000.
Classroom Teacher
Classroom teachers interact with students and help them become comfortable in a classroom setting. They teach students according to what they have prepared in their lesson plans. They mentor language learners to enhance their communication skills and develop literacy programs. A bachelor’s degree and a teaching license are both required.
The median annual salary for classroom teachers is $60,000.
Flight Attendant
A flight attendant generally ensures the safety and comfort of passengers all the time. One of their primary responsibilities is to guarantee that the emergency equipment is functional. They also ensure the neatness of the cabin at all times and that there is a sufficient supply of food and beverages.
Top airline companies typically look for flight attendants who can speak foreign languages. A bachelor’s degree is required.
The average annual salary for flight attendants is $68,370.
Online Tutor
Online tutors generally work in a flexible environment. They need to have a laptop, a headset with a built-in microphone, and a stable Internet connection for work. Online tutors plan their teaching schedule, market their skills, and interact with students as they conduct web-based classes.
Online language tutors make sure that they are up-to-date regarding cultural references and trends, and they also study other languages to expand their knowledge. A high school diploma is enough to win this job.
The median annual salary of online tutors is $57,000.
Recruiter
Recruiters handle communication with employees in various businesses around the world and the hiring of the ideal individuals for a particular job. They also design and implement the general recruitment strategy and source and attract eligible applicants through databases, social media, and the like. They also conduct interviews and filter candidates for open positions.
An associate’s or bachelor’s degree is considered the minimum requirement to pursue this career.
The median annual salary for recruiters is $88,000.
Journalist
Journalists are responsible for researching, writing, editing, filing, and proofreading news stories, feature articles, and articles for television and radio or magazines, journals, and newspapers, both in print and digital formats. Fluency in the English language is vital for journalists.
A bachelor’s is the minimum requirement for this career. Journalists have a median annual salary of $81,000.
Public Speaker
Public speakers deliver speeches and seminars to a live audience in an interactive manner. They work in several fields of study and specialize in various areas like finance, health, technology, and motivational speaking. The minimum requirement to pursue this career is a bachelor’s degree.
The median annual salary for a public speaker is $102,211.
Language Blogger and YouTuber
Language bloggers and YouTubers need to have extensive knowledge about one or multiple foreign languages aside from having a passion for them. Bloggers move freely and can work anytime and anywhere.
Language bloggers aid learners in learning a foreign language, and they can also sell various products or services online. They generally make money out of advertisements or affiliate links, which may attract several visitors.
Language bloggers and YouTubers need to have language proficiency and possess excellent writing skills. The minimum requirement for this type of career is a high school diploma.
The median annual salary for language bloggers and YouTubers is $62,000.
30 Highest Paying Language Careers
Ambassador
An ambassador also needs to know at least two foreign languages aside from his native tongue. They can work as support officers, administrative specialists, IT professionals, customer executives, and logistics. A bachelor’s is the minimum requirement for this career.
Ambassador Salary: $165,170 to $229,194
Local Product Manager
A local product manager is responsible for rolling out products from fast food chains and other companies, and this includes product research and development, marketing, and labeling. Local product managers need to understand the sensibilities of people in a particular country and guarantee that the company achieves its goals.
Local Product Manager Salary: $51,500 to $197,000
Flight Attendant
A flight attendant provides routine services and responds to emergencies to guarantee online travelers. Most of the time, they are required to speak a foreign language aside from their native language daily. They constantly travel from one state to another or another country, and this is the reason why a language course or degree is essential for them.
Flight Attendant Salary: $68,370
Voice Over Artist
A voice-over artist needs to speak and write well in another language since they are usually hired by movie production companies and television networks. Through a language degree, voice-over artists write subtitles and do voice-overs for documentaries, films, and series.
Voice-over artists and subtitles are essential for the film to be understood and appreciated on an international level. Words are translated into subtitles along with the actors’ sentiments. Voice-overs are most appropriate for those who are highly competent in spoken language and have excellent diction, pronunciation, and grammar.
Voice Over Artist Salary: $124,000 – 143,000
International Sales and Marketing Manager
An international sales and marketing manager produces goods and acts as a marketer for buyer-to-buyer dealings. Through language skills, managers become stronger salespeople who are experts in the negotiation of deals in terms of cross-border businesses.
Opportunities become open in the export and import sectors for international sales managers who can speak a foreign language.
International Sales and Marketing Manager Annual Salary: $96,000 – $180,000
Technical Writer
A technical writer is responsible for determining the information needs of various users and for creating documents to aid people in understanding numerous types of technologies. Reports can be utilized on multiple platforms like paper and online resources. The job growth of technical writers is 7%.
Technical Writer salary: $80,050
Creative Copywriter
A creative copywriter uses the strategy of transcreation. Generally, bilingual copywriters are responsible for the recreation of a brand’s image in foreign markets, not only through the translation of text but also through guaranteeing that it relays brand identity effectively.
This career entails practical communication skills, a high degree of creativity, and knowledge of advertising strategies and practices.
Creative Copywriter Salary: $83,000
Journalist
A journalist has a wide range of tasks. Most of the time, they travel and help people narrate real testimonies or stories. This is the reason why they are required to have competent foreign language skills.
Journalist Salary: $81,000
Public Relations Specialist
A public relations specialist handles effective communication through written text. They are responsible for writing and editing articles to help in molding the public image of companies. The job growth is at least 6% and is expected to be steady, and this makes it one of the top jobs for English majors.
Public Relations Specialist Salary: $66,750
Librarian
A librarian assists patrons in terms of research and is responsible for teaching classes on information technologies and the organization of library materials. They also handle the implementation and development of databases or research new books to be added to a library’s collection.
A master’s in Library Science is the minimum requirement needed to be able to enter this career, and it should be complemented by an English degree.
Librarian Salary: $72,000
Brand Specialist
A brand specialist is capable of communicating in foreign markets to assist company clients and customers. This is for the enjoyment of improved services from the company’s services and products.
Brand Specialist Salary: $86,000
Social Media Analyst
A social media analyst obtains both the original language, the nuances, and the colloquialisms of the target language. Social media is an essential aspect of effective marketing. Therefore, social media analysts design engaging content and determine its effect in foreign markets.
Social media analysts need a high level of expertise in two or more languages, SEO knowledge, data analysis strategies, and strong writing skills.
Social Media Analyst Salary: $56,000
Lead Coordinator
A lead coordinator assists developing nations around the world and serves non-profit organizations. In some countries, English is not considered the official language. Comprehending a foreign language helps in the advancement of one’s position in the organization due to the ability to communicate with people being assisted.
Lead Coordinator Salary: $71,000
Community Representative
A community representative is involved in the development of online games and provides support during events. They must be familiar with foreign languages and may engage with international communities for interaction in terms of online games. A bachelor’s degree is required for this job.
Community Representative Salary: $52,000
Events Coordinator
An events coordinator plans, organizes, promotes, and executes meetings. They are responsible for supervising events’ activities. They monitor the budget, catering services, facilities, entertainment, and other matters essential to ensuring the event’s success.
This career is ideal for detail-oriented language specialists who enjoy working on several projects simultaneously and are comfortable in front of an audience.
Events Coordinator Salary: $59,000
Translator
A translator renders written text to a specific audience. Translators convert thoughts, words, and intent into the target language. It is one of the most sought-after occupations in languages.
Translator Salary: $57,090
College Lecturer
A college lecturer needs to be multilingual because of the increasing number of students who take language classes yearly. Since globalization has led to the rise of Internet technology, most colleges and universities now have faculty members for various language studies.
College lecturers need to be fluent in English in general to be able to impart knowledge and skills to their students. A master’s or doctorate is required for university lecturers or assistant professors who want to be promoted.
College Lecturer Salary: $73,000
Interpreter
An interpreter serves as a bridge between two diverse languages for an agreement to occur between heads of state, groups, or organizations. Their workplaces include international conferences, beauty pageants, sports arenas, company meetings, media houses, tourist centers, and organizations where their skills are required to help the audience understand the speaker’s language.
Interpreter Salary: $73,000
Unique Language Careers
Game Translator
An in-game translator is what companies such as Nintendo search for, as their main job is to translate game instructions and details from English to Japanese or other languages. A certification or a bachelor’s degree is at least needed to enter this career aside from proficiency in at least two foreign languages.
Experience can also be gained through various workshops and training. The median annual salary for a game translator is $68,000.
Livestock Auctioneers
Livestock auctioneers usually speak at a very rapid pace while selling cattle, pigs, and sheep at auction. This is the principal reason why there is a need for fluency in English and foreign languages. Their fast-paced manner of speaking brings thousands of dollars every minute. The median annual salary of livestock auctioneers is $60,695.
Master Sommeliers
Master sommeliers are certified wine experts in restaurants. There is a great need for them to have excellent foreign skills since they need to extend their knowledge not only of the history, laws, and culture but also of the languages of various regions.
Sommeliers require several years of study and passing of exams as well. They handle many vineyards in countries such as France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany, Hungary, Argentina, Chile, the United States, England, South Africa, and Australia. Annual salary is $85,000 annually, depending on your area.
YouTuber or Podcaster
Podcasters or Youtubers reinvent and incorporate their personalities in the language videos and podcasts that they create. Podcasts are generally ideal for those who are fond of audio anonymity or would like to share real, actionable content on videos that are informative for listeners.
YouTube focuses on posting educational videos as content while podcasters deliver lessons while their listeners work, study, or do household chores.
Travel Language Careers
Language careers that involve international travel opportunities include the following:
Foreign Service Officer
A foreign service officer gets a chance to work abroad. Foreign service officers work in consulates and embassies globally, where they represent countries on diplomatic missions.
Aside from language proficiency, they need to possess the right skills to ace written exams and oral evaluations. They need to conduct medical reviews and security clearances as well. The median annual salary of a foreign service officer is $129,000.
Tour Guide
Tour guides accompany groups of people from the home country on a tour of another country or around a particular area you are most familiar with. Tour guides also need to be familiar with the language of the tourist destination. The median annual salary of a tour guide is $67,000.
Cultural Advisor
Cultural advisors handle various training sessions, business negotiations, the establishment of international marketing strategies, and translation and interpretation. They are also responsible for the building and strengthening of the relationship between an institution and its global clients, partners, or employees.
Cultural advisors should possess linguistic and cultural knowledge aside from practical managerial skills, sociability, and subject matter expertise. Estimated salary is $70,000 per year.
International Sales Manager
International Sales Managers handle businesses and help them in buying and transporting products to their target market. Such products include furniture or parts that are usually exported or imported to design automobiles.
Most international sales managers travel globally, and being knowledgeable in different languages is most helpful in dealing with various business owners and governments.
Sales managers typically possess a bachelor’s degree, but for those working in the international market, sales managers should earn a master’s or doctorate. Annual salary is $128,000.
International Lawyer
International lawyers work together with businesses and clients. They guide them in terms of legal paperwork, such as contracts, government investigations, and court proceedings. They specialize in laws that are specific to certain countries.
They are needed by companies with businesses worldwide, and this is the reason why they travel most of the time. International lawyers also need to be knowledgeable in terms of U.S. business law and the laws of foreign countries for aspects such as the export and import of goods. Lawyers should earn a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Law.
The median annual salary of international lawyers is $145,458.
Overseas Teacher
An overseas teacher helps in the enhancement of an individual’s skills in English, computers, and other technical areas. Overseas teachers possessing additional language skills may work for private companies, U.S. federal facilities, or foreign governments. They also work and interact with organizations to meet expectations in terms of lesson plans that adhere to the objectives of the topics.
A bachelor’s degree is usually the minimum requirement to teach outside the country, but a master’s degree is required in some companies aside from teaching in higher learning institutes. The median annual salary for an overseas teacher is $46,590.
Flight Attendant
A flight attendant travels from one city or country to another, and they serve flight patrons for different airlines. They are responsible for the assistance of passengers in terms of seating, demonstration of safety instructions, and serving of meals and snacks during flight.
Flight attendants may be involved both in international and domestic work, and those who are assigned on international flights are required to speak a second foreign language.
Certification must be obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The minimum requirement to pursue this particular career is a bachelor’s degree with work experience in customer service. Flight attendants earn approximately $68,370 per year.
Interpreter
An interpreter works in various settings like schools, hospitals, courtrooms, meeting rooms, and conference centers. Others work at translation and interpretation companies, private organizations, and clients.
Some interpreters are self-employed and work remotely as well. They may also work full-time during regular business hours. Interpreters earn $57,090 annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I enroll in a Language Degree Program?
Enrolling in a language degree program brings exciting new experiences. You should consider majoring in the program if you are very passionate about learning a specific language. It is crucial to have an in-depth passion and interest since learning a new language requires hard work to become fluent in it.
In addition, majoring in specific communication is a practical idea if you plan to have a career in language-related fields. If you wish to be a translator or interpreter, make it your goal to speak the language fluently by attending Language courses.
With a Language degree, you can communicate effectively with other people from different cultural backgrounds. You can also become potential business partners and conduct negotiations, which will be beneficial for both of you.
This is an excellent advantage to have in the workplace, and perhaps you might be paid higher in the long run. Furthermore, it is one of the exceptional skills to have when applying for job prospects to help you stand out from other applicants.
If you want to work and live in a different country, particularly the specific language you’ve chosen, a language degree program is a better option. Some jobs in your target country require fluency or knowledge of the local language.
Although some do not require such an arrangement, knowing the local language can boost your credentials as it implies you will be able to adapt quickly to the culture.
Moreover, if you love double majoring, a language degree program is a suitable choice. You are an excellent job candidate if you combine your language major with a major in a different field, such as political science, education, STEM, business, or international relations. This double major setup provides a comprehensive set of skills you can apply in a variety of careers and industries.
Who is suitable for Language Degree Programs?
Language Degree Programs are suitable for people who have a natural passion and interest in learning a foreign language. As mentioned, learning a new language is challenging and requires a lot of time and effort.
Therefore, people who have the patience and perseverance to master the language are ideal candidates for language studies. Earning your language degree does not necessarily mean you will master your chosen language all at once. It takes a lot of years and perhaps hands-on experience before you will finally be fluent in speaking the language.
Students who want to immerse and get to know the culture related to a specific foreign language can significantly benefit from earning a language degree, and if you are someone who wants to teach English abroad, such as in Southeast Asia, earning a TEFL is an appropriate option for you.
Not only will you be able to speak freely to the locals in their language, but you will also learn to adapt to their culture and learn a new language. Also, you will have the opportunity to live in a foreign country while working.
Some people have a deep sense of appreciation for history and art. A language degree will provide you with in-depth knowledge and a strong foundational background regarding history, culture, art, cuisine, or even music. This learning will help you become a tour operator or an independent tour guide for people who love to learn and immerse in the specific language you study.
Also, you can apply for jobs in museums, schools, and research centers that provide an environment that will foster and practice your skills and knowledge of a specific foreign language.
Becoming an interpreter and translator provides opportunities for people who love to travel and work at the same time. With the rising trend of remote working, you can take advantage of this work environment by applying for jobs as language translators and interpreters.
There is an increasing number of foreign companies and private establishments that need foreign language translators. For example, you can work as an English translator for a French company without leaving the comforts of your own home or even working around the world.
The field of entrepreneurship and start-ups can make use of a language degree. By getting to know the culture and language of your target audience or country, it is easier to market your business forward if you have a background and understanding of the local language.
You will know what strategies will work, what market behaviors, what purchasing powers, and what market trends are in that specific country. You could be a step closer to your business partnerships with a language degree program.
What skills do Language Degree holders develop?
Learning a new language enhances your life in many ways you least expect. If you are open to learning a foreign language or multiple languages, discovering all the critical skills you develop along the way can add extra motivation and encouragement to start.
Boost Your Memory
It is not surprising that learning a new language requires a lot of memorization of new phrases and words. Mnemonics and Spaced Repetition Systems are two main techniques that serve as the backbone of a language learner’s study program. Mnemonics pertains to retaining information through association.
On the other hand, SRS prompts you to remember information you usually forget. As a result, the pieces of information are quickly retained in your long-term memory. With SRS, something triggers you to remember the elements on the periodic table, the capitals of the countries in the world, or medical terms.
Improve Listening Skills
Listening is not solely one of the core skills for language learning, but it is also an essential life skill. As such, having excellent listening skills is essential regardless of what language you are speaking or learning and can help you communicate effectively with different people.
Foreign language learners tend to have better listening skills and sharper memories than their monolingual counterparts.
Learn How To Be Open-Minded and Sociable
A vital factor in practicing a new language is to interact with and meet new people. One way to become fluent in a specific language is by speaking with native speakers.
You don’t have a significant number of people in your network who are native speakers of your chosen language of study. Chances are, you will have to get out and meet new friends or people who can speak the language to help you become a better speaker.
Meeting language partners for language exchange is meeting anyone from different backgrounds, ethnicity, principles, and way of life. The skills of being open-minded and friendly are directly related to other aspects of your journey.
Improve Problem-Solving Abilities
Language learners have greater flexibility, enriched problem-solving skills, and enhanced order-thinking capabilities. The more you are exposed to solving language problems, the more you will excel at solving other problems in different aspects of your life.
Furthermore, you learn new ways of how other people and cultures solve their problems, which helps you gain a new perspective on life.
What does the field of Language Studies entail?
If you have a natural passion and interest in languages, you can use this to open up or pursue several career opportunities in politics and international trade. On the other hand, you can provide help to other language communities in your area to gain full access to services and opportunities.
There is a difference between a Linguistics degree and an Arts & Humanities degree in Language major. Linguistics focuses on the technical aspect of language; therefore, linguists learn the concept of language itself – sentences we use and pronunciation or the way we make sounds to specific words.
It implies understanding linguistic structures and comprehending how similar or different one language is to another language. Finding a pattern and having the ability to describe, compare, and identify linguistic phenomena is one of the wonders of linguistics study.
Language degree holders choose a specific language to study and become fluent in, as well as study their culture, which will lead them to numerous job opportunities around the world. Languages are multifaceted systems ranging in many aspects.
When studying a new language, you may become more efficient in some set of skills depending on factors such as your motivation to study the language and your background knowledge.
Proficiency in a specific language means an in-depth knowledge of the language that enables you to communicate, express yourself, and understand others. Language proficiency leads to improved skills in listening, writing, reading, and speaking.
Knowledge of things such as literature, food, cultural developments, music, and political history where the language is used is essential to appreciate and master the language successfully. It means being able to adapt to their culture, knowing the idioms, expressions, or phrases, understanding and developing jokes, or perhaps discovering the history that has left the deepest scars on the present state.
The ability to translate and interpret is probably the most advanced level of getting to know a specific language. This aspect requires speaking fluently using the correct gestures, and having extensive knowledge of the culture of the language you choose.
Being someone’s interpreter or translating a culturally conditioned sense is a professionally and personally complex process. As a result, a few people truly learn to master these skills.
Are there any Language Certifications or Licenses that I need as a Language degree holder?
For interpreters and translators, there is no universal type of certification required by potential employers. However, there are a variety of exams you can complete to take your proficiency to a marketable degree. For example, the American Translators Association provides a rigorous certification for its members.
In different cases, the federal courts have certification requirements for Spanish and Haitian Creole interpreters, and almost all state and municipal courts endorse their forms of the certification examination. For court interpreting, the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators requires a special type of certification.
The U.S. Department of State has three- parts of examinations for interpreters, namely conference-level interpreting (international conferences), simultaneous interpreting, and simple consecutive interpreting. They do not necessarily mean certification, but successful completion of these tests adds up to your credentials, indicating you have adequate skills to work in the related field.
If you are interested in teaching ESL/EFL, there is no single certificate, degree, or license that authorizes a person to teach ESL/EFL in all fields or other parts of the world. Job requirements and employer-specific requirements vary from one job to another. Generally, the minimum qualification to teach English in communities across the globe is a bachelor’s degree and some TESL or TEFL certification.
However, the requirements depend on the place where one is teaching. Some companies require being a native speaker to teach a specific language; however, there are exceptions where they generally do not require such, especially if you are fluent in that particular language.
An introduction to ESL teaching is integrated into some certificate programs. There are two categories of certificate programs, namely independent certificates and graduate certificates. Both types of certifications require the applicants to have a bachelor’s degree, but some individual institutions have program-specific prerequisites to complete the certification examination.
Graduate certifications are taught in colleges and universities and take about two to four semesters to complete. A master’s degree is a good option once completed since the credits are often applicable to advancement. On the other hand, independent certificates usually take about two to six weeks to complete and solely focus on different methods for language teaching and practical training.
Key Takeaways
- The linguistics degree provides many valuable career paths for a plethora of careers in a foreign language, computer science, language documentation, historical linguistics, a speech language therapist, and much more.
- You’ll learn analytical reasoning, critical thinking, communication skills, and that foreign language you’ve always wanted to learn!
- Are you interested in teaching? Many foreign language teachers obtain a Language and Linguistics degree. A degree in linguistics will help you become proficient in teaching others a foreign language.
- Linguistics graduates can earn a lucrative living, providing benefits of travel, culture, and computer-mediated language learning.
- Do you have high hopes? Want to put your language and linguistics to good use? Consider establishing literacy programs for those in need! Help those with language disorders. You could help others through artificial intelligence.
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