The University of the South Pacific is located in the heart of the most linguistically diverse region of the world, with over 200 indigenous languages, several lingua francas (Bislama, Tok Pisin, Solomon Islands Pijin) and official languages (English, French). This makes USP an exciting place to study linguistics and language, and the logical choice for Pacific linguistics.
The Linguistics and Language Division offers various programs including Linguistics,
Pacific Vernacular Language (in Fijian and Hindi Studies), French and a Literature and Language combined program.
Linguistics
The goal of Linguistics is to increase students’ awareness of the richness and complexity of language. Some courses focus on general linguistics including the study of the structure and use of language with examples from languages from all over the world, including in particular the languages of the Pacific. Other courses focus on English, the main official medium of instruction and language of government in the region (along with French).
Courses in Linguistics should be of particular interest to students interested in teaching, the media, cultural studies, and, more generally, to anyone interested in humanities and social science subjects.
- Why are Pacific languages so similar?
- Is English killing our languages
- Did you know French is a Pacific language?
- Do a BA in Linguistics with a LLB (law) degree
- Learn about your own language (Fijian, Hindi).
- Get to know two languages well.
Some of the career possibilities with a degree in Linguistics:
- Communications and public relations
- Translation and interpreting
- Law
- Curriculum development
- International business
- Language planning
- Teaching
- Diplomacy
