Linguistics is the study of language — not so much a specific language, but of the system of language and the way humans communicate. Topics integral to linguistics include the physiology of language, the physical properties of language, the roles that it plays in determining cultural and social categories, the relationship between language and thought, the underlying manner in which sentences are structured, the way language conveys meaning, and the manner in which other systems may imitate natural languages.
The Program in Linguistics at Dartmouth offers a major and minor in Linguistics. Students may also modify another major with linguistics, or modify linguistics with another major. Students interested in linguistics should consult with a Linguistics faculty member in advance of major declaration in order to plan a program that suits their needs and interests.

