Program Distinctives

Applied & Theoretical Linguistics

There are over 300 graduate degree programs in linguistics worldwide.  When it comes to linguistics, finding the right balance of theory and application for your career goals is a key factor to consider. Many linguistics programs cover a broad range of linguistic theory without an emphasis on application. Of the programs in applied linguistics, most emphasize language teaching.

The MA Linguistics program at TWU is set apart from other graduate degree programs in linguistics. Our program offers a balance between theoretical and applied linguistics with significant flexibility for students to tailor their program to their career goals. Graduate students may choose from two possible streams:

Analytic Stream - Students in the Analytic Stream will select courses with a greater emphasis on theory.  This will be a good preparation for roles involving cross-cultural linguistic analysis of unwritten languages, translation and post-graduate academic research.

Applied Stream - Students in the Applied Stream will select courses with a greater emphasis on applying linguistic theory to specific practical tasks such as developing literacy programs and language teaching.

The MA Linguistics program at TWU is the only graduate degree program of this kind in Canada. It is especially suited to those interested in serving with non-governmental organizations such as Christian mission organizations and international development agencies.

Faculty Experience

The majority of the linguistics faculty at TWU are members of SIL International and as such have had extensive field experience working with unwritten languages.  They have put theoretical and applied linguistics training to the test, analyzing the languages of various parts of the world in roles such as translation, language survey, literacy and linguistics consulting.

Canada Institute of Linguistics

The Canada Institute of Linguistics (CanIL) is a linguistics training organization, serving language communities worldwide, building their capacity for sustainable language development, by means of research, translation, training and materials development. It is also a partner organization with Wycliffe Bible Translators. 

Community Life

MA Linguistics students share a rich community atmosphere with faculty, staff, undergraduate linguistics students as well as seminary students in the Master of Applied Linguistics & Exegesis program at ACTS Seminaries.  CanIL often hosts common meals, presentations from visiting linguists and group activities as well as employing a graduate student as a Community Life Coordinator. 

The Harvest Centre

Linguistics courses at TWU are taught in the Harvest Centre on the TWU campus at the Canada Institute of Linguistics. The 3-story Harvest Centre was built in 2004, complete with state-of-the-art classroom technology, a linguistics library, staff offices, a computer lab, an elevator and a common dining area.  Students enjoy a warm community atmosphere as well as dedicated study space.